Judd Apatow Named Frat Pack Tribute Man of the Year
by Kevin Crossman
Congrats to Judd Apatow who had an incredible 2007 and was unanimously named Man of the Year by the Frat Pack Tribute editors. Yeah, we know he's not technically in the Pack but the guy had a monster year at the movies, cowrote "A Comedian at the Oscars", and is harnessing the power of the internet.
Complete Writeup for Frat Pack Tribute Man of the Year
Will Ferrell's Celebrity New Year's Resolutions
by Kevin Crossman
Another hilarious video from Will and the team over at FunnyOrDie.
The Tragedy of Walk Hard
by Jenny Spaulding
After a disappointing fall of Frat Pack films (The Heartbreak Kid was ok, but mean spirited; Dan in Real Life was good, but not as good as I was hoping; and while I didn't hate Fred Claus as much as some people, it's no Elf in my book), I was a bit skeptical of Walk Hard to say the least.
I like the director, Jake Kasdan, quite a bit. I mean his father did write one of the best movies ever--Raiders of the Lost Ark -- so clearly he comes from good stock. I don't know how many of you have checked out his last film, The TV Set, but it's well worth the rental. I saw it at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2006 where he and the cast were on hand for a Q&A. What I didn't learn until later was that it was inspired by his and Judd Apatow's experiences on TV (Freaks and Geeks, Undeclared, and Grosse Pointe). The DVD has a great commentary with the two of them discussing the genesis for the story.
But I digress. I'd seen the great Walk Hard trailer, but held off from reading detailed reviews and spoilers, wanting to go in as fresh as possible. That being said, the film far exceeded my expectations and I stand by Kevin's five beer mug review. It's been a while, but I've seen both Walk the Line and Ray, and love the way the story arcs for this hit similar beats--losing his sense of smell instead of his sight?!--pure comic genius! John C. Reilly was excellent, they couldn't have picked a better actor. He played it so straight and so earnest that I couldn't help but laugh. And laugh I did. Out loud. From deep within my belly.
At first I was disappointed that Jenna Fischer didn't do her own singing and wasn't sure why they cast her. Don't get me wrong, I'm a huge fan of her work on The Office and Jake and Judd did cast her in one of her early roles in the pilot of Undeclared. But by the end any doubts I had were erased.
In fact, the entire cast was superb and I adored all the cameos, especially Martin Starr and Harold Ramis. I never really warmed to Tim Meadows on Saturday Night Live, but thought he played his role to a tee. I was also impressed by the aging makeup.
And the music! Wow, I knew the filmmakers were taking the music seriously, but I blown away by Reilly's vocal range and how he made all the styles and genres work. I immediately went home and bought the deluxe soundtrack from iTunes. It's so much fun to listen too and catchy too! And it's even funnier to me that it appears RIGHT next to the Walk the Line soundtrack on my iPod.
I think it's such a tragedy that this film missed its mark at the box office. I guess a year end holiday release was a mistake since the market is too saturated.
As a final thought let me say that Walk Hard is an interesting counterpoint to Todd Haynes' faux Bob Dylan biopic I'm Not There. Think about it, Walk Hard is about a fictional performer singing music written for the movie, while I'm Not There is film about a real musician, using his real music, but performed by a series of six performers who represent stages in Dylan's career. It was just something that struck me as interesting.
Jack Black Talks Tropic Thunder
by Adam Stevenson
Here's a great article about Black talking about Tropic Thunder. He even mentions that Cruise's cameo is more of what he calls a "crameo." We're talking more than a cameo and possibly less than a supporting role.
Jack on his blonde locks: "This is for Tropic Thunder. It is the director's vision. It's his choice. To be fair, though, it's usually much blonder. The roots are growing out because I'm done with the hair. Well, I still have a couple more days of filming, but I'll be wearing wigs the rest of the way out."
He also discussed how filming works during the Writers Strike: "They say that the actors are allowed to improvise as long as they were not hired as actors/writers. Sometimes, like, Ben is a director/writer and actor, so he can't improvise. We've only had a few weeks of the strike. He's been good."
First Photos from Untitled Mentor Comedy ("Little Big Men")
by Kevin Crossman
Several readers including John Avs send us this photo that was released by Universal. Previously titled Little Big Men, the film is officially being called Untitled Mentor Comedy right now. Regardless of the title, it's great to see the two stars of the movie, Paul Rudd and Seann William Scott, alongside up-and-coming comedy god, Christopher Mintz-Plasse. The film also stars Jane Lynch and Elizabeth Banks.
Though the movie is directed by David Wain (Wet Hot American Summer) and cowritten by Wain's usual coconspirators (Ken Marino, Timothy Dowling), we think this might play a bit more mainstream than Wet or The Ten did. Paul Rudd is also listed as a cowriter, which certainly makes us optimistic about the project.
Review of Luke Wilson and Jessica Simpson in Blonde Ambition
by Kevin Crossman
By now most of you know the story of Blonde Ambition, the Working Girl-like romcom starring Jessica Simpson and Luke Wilson. Many of you saw the awful trailer that showed up in obscure locations online this summer as the expected mid-year release date slipped and went. Finally, the DVD was announced for a release on January 22, 2008 but not before being released into eight Dallas area theatres earlier this month, pulling in a grand total of $1322 dollars total (no, that's not a typo).
Now, the film has appeared online. This is a transfer from a DVD screener but you can watch the movie in it's entirety. And everything you've heard about the movie is true. It is poorly shot, and features a braindead paint-by-numbers script. And while Jessica Simpson isn't bad to look at, her aw-shucks "performance" is truly worthy of the Golden Raspberry Awards she surely will be nominated for.
But we do not come to bury Blonde Ambition but to praise it. While the Jessica storyline can be best viewed with "so bad it's good" laughter, there's actually an amazing performance contained in this movie and it comes from perhaps the most unlikely soul. Not from Jessica, obviously, or even Luke Wilson who plays the exact same character from My Super-Ex Girlfriend (no, that's not a compliment). It doesn't come from the ladies with three names, Rachael Leigh Cook and Penelope Ann Miller. They have memorable moments but ultimately their roles, like the movie fall flat.
Instead, I come to praise Dick. Andy Dick. He's never been better on film as Miller's scheming secretary and it is truly a pleasure to see the self-loathing and meanspirited attitude that his public persona has lately come to symbolize appear so well on screen. Everything he does in Blonde Ambition is worth savoring. This isn't high brow comedy but I laughed at Dick throughout the movie.
So, viewed in proper context, Blonde Ambition might be a great time for you and your friends over a few drinks. Check your ego and intelligence at the door (just like the filmmakers) and you might find yourself with a great big smile. Who'd have thunk it? 
Update: looks like the video was finally taken down. It was fun while it lasted.
Steve Carell "Honors" Steve Martin
by Kevin Crossman
Another great job of Steve being Steve in this clip from The Kennedy Center Honors last night.
Heartbreak Kid DVD "Edited for Content"?
by Kevin Crossman
As we outlined a couple days ago, a reminder there are several great DVD releases today, including The Brothers Solomon (Will Arnett, Kristen Wiig), The Kingdom (Jason Bateman), and American Pie Presents: Beta House (starring anonymous young people in various stages of undress).
The headliner today for us is Ben Stiller's The Heartbreak Kid. Strangely, it appears the DVD release has been edited for content. No, not the typical "extended and unrated" kind of editing, but actual removal of content. Anthony Jones wrote us about this, noting an "edited content" disclaimer on the packaging and even pinpointing the potential edit.
The Heartbreak Kid DVD:
Rated R for strong sexual content, crude humor and language.The Heartbreak Kid Theatrical Release:
Rated R for strong sexual content, crude humor, language, and a scene of drug use involving a minor.
Merry Christmas From the Frat Pack Tribute
by Kevin Crossman
To celebrate the season with all the spirit you've come to enjoy here at the Tribute, we are pleased to highlight this gem that Garrett Lynn of LurkSquad put together. It's completely not safe for work, or for small kids. But it is an amazing bit of editing that we thought was incredible.
Podcast #161: For Christmas, the People Want Cox
A short holiday themed episode featuring John C. Reilly as Dewey Cox singing about life on the road. Plus, we have a few other stocking stuffers to keep you in the holiday mood.
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Lots of DVDs to Choose From in Stores This Week
by Kevin Crossman
This Wednesday provides many choices for those looking to use gift cards at Christmas. These four titles are all available starting on December 26th.
First up is the Ben Stiller sex comedy The Heartbreak Kid. While this movie underperformed at the box office and received, uh… let’s call it mixed reviews, it is still the title to own this week.
There are definitely some funny moments in a movie our reviewer Drew Hunt described as this way: “The Heartbreak Kid neither fails nor succeeds. Stiller saves a sinking ship, but it doesn't change the fact that the boat was never fit to take sail in the first place. The direction is deft, but not entirely exceptional, and sees the Farrelly Brothers continue their slue of mediocre efforts. At least this time they were sensible enough to go to the guy who made them famous in the first place.”
In Drew's review he said "With his latest effort, (Ben Stiller) again proves to be one the most accessible, and most funny, actors working today." He is joined by Michelle Monaghan who had great chemistry with Ben and Malin Ackerman didn't but who looks great.
A few key extras include:
Also up is The Brothers Solomon featuring familiar faces Will Arnett and Will Forte, along with Kristen Wiig, Malin Akerman, and Jenna Fischer. We gave this film four stars and laughed a lot, even though this isn’t the “thinking man’s pregnancy comedy” (especially in a year that includes Knocked Up and Juno). That said, you could do far, far worse than this movie that we said “brings the requisite laughs and just enough heart.”
Anthony Jones wrote us with this short essay encouraging viewing of the Brothers Solomon.
Maybe some people have the motivation to get up and pay a lot of money to go see a movie like Pirates of the Caribbean or Spiderman, but this isn't the kind of movie I saw anyone going out of their way to see. I'm guessing convenience played a big part in the financial failure. Apparently, Sony thought the same thing and they didn't give Bros Solomon a chance. They only released it on a few hundred screens when most films get a few thousand. Now that it's available to see in your home, you should really take a chance and rent it on-demand or in your local video store. If you're at Blockbuster, and you're trying to decide between this and The Heartbreak Kid, I'd say go with Solomon (there will be plenty of un-rented copies of this left on the shelf anyway, which is a shame because it's a little shy of being an undiscovered gem). Director Bob Odenkirk got more laughs out of me with this than last year's Let's Go to Prison. Will Arnett plays a much funnier character and viewers will find comfort in familiar faces like Bill Hader and Kristen Wiig (both of Knocked Up), and maybe Nicole Randall Johnson (who had small parts in The 40-Year-Old Virgin and Frat-Pack-friend film License to Wed).
This isn't much of a broad comedy. Not a lot of physical gags like Old School or anything, but more wordplay-type humor. I'll take a shot in the dark and say most Pack fans will still enjoy it. It gets kind of formulaic towards the end, and the brothers end up fighting then making up, but I guess every movie needs its conflicts. They still squeeze out some gags while getting the necessary plot points along. I'd give it at least three beer mugs. To sum it up, it really exceeded my expectations and I'm not sure if it's worth a buy, but it's definitely worth a rental.
Looking a little more broadly, Wednesday also features the DVD release of The Kingdom. Frat Pack Friend Jason Bateman is featured in a supporting role as the wisecracking member of an elite FBI crime team that also includes Jaime Foxx, Jennifer Garner, and Chris Cooper. The group travels to Saudi Arabia to investigate a bombing in an American housing area, and the group battles both terrorists as well as Saudi police officials.
The film’s “ripped from today’s headlines” storyline is an excuse for a police procedural with an exotic setting and is largely effective. The film’s exciting final confrontation alone is well worth seeing. Jeremy Piven (Old School) also appears in an amusing supporting turn as a fast-talking politico not unlike his Entourage character.
We must credit director Peter Berg for getting good performances out of Foxx and Garner who aren’t always our favorite actors. Bateman does a great job in this drama/thriller in a role that might have been played by Vince Vaughn ten years ago. If this role is any indication, Bateman’s film career is well on it’s way! The DVD features some nice behind the scenes material as well. 
Lastly, we received a screener copy of American Pie Presents: Beta House, another direct-to-DVD title with loose association to the American Pie movies. We happen to think the first American Pie movie was a classic and liked the third movie in the series as well. This time, Stiffler’s cousins played by Steve Talley and John White play a fraternity social director and pledge respectively in a film that closely follows the events of American Pie Presents: The Naked Mile. Eugene Levy returns as the frat’s lawyer and former member in an attempt to maintain nominal relationship to the theatrical series.
Fans of Old School might be asking, how does this film compare? Well, there are a couple vomit and semen jokes that work pretty well, but overall this ain’t your father’s "frat" comedy. It shouldn’t be your little brother’s either. Other than teaching young men that female orgasms of all types are a good thing, this movie has little redeeming social value. Which means you might enjoy it but you might feel shame afterwards.
If Superbad’s “what porno website should we subscribe to next year” scene spoke to you, then American Pie Presents: Beta House surely will as well.
Also visit: www.americanpiemovie.com/game
TV Reminder: Elmo's Christmas Countdown with Stiller the Elf
by Amy Gilbert
What else can we say but Ben Stiller as a Muppet. Singing.... Gotta love those ears!! The show airs on ABC tonight at 7 pm. Clip from Elmo's Christmas Countdown with Ben Stiller
New Poster and Red Band Trailer for Semi-Pro
by Adam Stevenson
I found the link to the "semi"-hilarious red band trailer. It has a few funny bits about Will Ferrell's wiener and also features Ferrell interferring with Matt Walsh, Will Arnett, and even the Hard Walkin' drummer himself, Tim Meadows, with a broken arm.
IGN has posted a new poster design as well. Semi-Pro Preview Page.
Step Brothers Photo
by Kevin Crossman
Here's a nice promo photo from Step Brothers. Surprisingly, that's John C. Reilly in the Speedo, not Will Ferrell. Nonetheless, this is a great photo and definitely is getting me excited about the movie that comes out next summer.
Walk Hard Box Office Disappointment. What Went Wrong?
by Rick Duran
When box office estimates are released later today, Walk Hard will only draw an estimated $4-5 million for the entire weekend. That's a poor performance that's only barely ahead of another musical comedy bomb with John C. Reilly, Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny.
I can't get my head around this one. Was it not "young" enough? Was it the lack of talk shows? Too crowded field? Did it look bad? I think I've got the answer.
Walk the Line, while immensely popular, wasn't exactly aiming at the young male demographic. If anything, it was counterprogramming during the Christmas season blockbusters.
So, when a comedy that looks like Walk the Line is targeted at audiences that liked Talladega Nights and Superbad, you're not really giving the kids what they're looking for.
Even just the concept of "bio pic spoof" isn't as recognizable to younger audiences. Walk Hard's final five minutes seemed like A Beautiful Mind goes to the Grammys. But again, is a film with references Johnny Cash, Ray Charles, Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan, The Beatles and Brian Wilson going to easy to promote on TRL? On the flipside, would the majority of people that saw Walk the Line and Ray in theaters be excited for a film "from the guy who brought you Superbad and Talladega Nights?"
Ugh, I hate even having to analyze why Walk Hard wouldn't do well. It really pisses me off. Heartbreak Kid, The Comebacks, Fred Claus, Evan Almighty... their disappointing box office numbers didn't bother me. If anything, their numbers represented their quality. But Walk Hard?
Jeez, why on earth did Walk Hard have a worse opening night than The Comebacks? Fuck!
Another View of Walk Hard
by Drew Hunt
So I saw this yesterday...Gotta say, I wasn't really that impressed. I found it to be poorly executed. I really think the basic idea is amazing -- a satirical poke at biopics -- but this movie was about as satirical as an episode of Family Guy, aka: not really at all. Aside from a few bright moments, it just wasn't as smart as I was hoping and thinking it would be.
I think I would have enjoyed it more had they played everything more straight. I didn't like the fact that the characters seemed like they were more or less aware of the kind of movie they were in. It took away a sense of believability that could have benefited the movie, yet retain it's sillyness and humor. For instance, was it necessary to have Dewey carry on a conversation with his newly severed brother? I think the concept of him cutting him in half is funny and silly enough, sans the exchange that follows (same goes for another scene much like this). I was miffed by the fact that they sometimes took things way too far. And even though I was sort of expecting things to be over the top, I wasn't expecting these certain aspects to hinder my experience.
However, that's not to say the movie isn't funny. There are some definite moments of sheer brilliance, undeniably so. John C. Reily is very funny as Dewey Cox. His interaction with Jenna Fischer is really great, even if I think Fischer fails completely in this role, as she has proven to do in anything besides an office setting (That's right, I said it.) Still, the scenes featuring the two prove to be pretty funny, particularly the scene after their initial wedding. My favorite line (one I think could be Earmuff Worthy) being "And you told me about that dream where you were licking my balls -- I took that as a sign."
The music is great, too. It definitely had everyone in the theater tapping their toes. Really, if the film could have been more like the music, I would have enjoyed it much more. While the tunes could pass as legitimate songs, there's that aura of wit and onslaught of innuendo that truly makes them jokes more than anything -- something that the screenwriters, with all due respect, could have implemented on the dialog.
Meanwhile, Sony's "unusual" marketing continues. Members of the Dewey Cox Fan Club were recently mailed a little bit of Cox himself. His hair to be precise. Thanks to Laura Telles for the scan.
Walk Hard Opens Today
by Kevin Crossman
Just a reminder that y'all need to get yourself out to the theatre to see John C. Reilly in Walk Hard, which opens today.
If you've seen the movie we want to hear from you! Call our hotline at 206-666-FRAT and let us know if you loved it or hated it. You can also email us or join the conversation on our message board.
Podcast #160: Walk Hard a Frat Pack Movie(?)
Walk Hard has is out and so is use of the "F-Word" for the movie and it's star, John C. Reilly. No, not that "F" word, we're talking about Frat Pack. Is Walk Hard a Frat Pack movie? Is JCR in the Pack? There's a controversy brewing!
This podcast features some music from Dewey Cox, including the revised version of "Walk Hard" from Monday Night Football, plus some of the more hilarious songs from the soundtrack.
We also have audio from Ben Stiller's appearance on Elmo's Christmas Countdown and a profane Alex Trebec played by Alex Trebec and not Will Ferrell.
Thanks to Rick Duran, Josh Watts, Greg Mariotti, and Jennifer Spaulding for production support.
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Jennifer Spaulding writes:
"Am I the only one who thinks Philip Seymour Hoffman is
a dead ringer for Wilfred Brimley in the Chalie Wilson's War"
Frat Pack Honored in Italian Film Magazine
by Kevin Crossman
Looks like the Tribute isn't the only media outlet paying attention to the Frat Pack and their friends. Check out the cover of issue #65 of the Italian film magazine Nocturno.
It's interesting to see that Nocturno chose Jonah Hill for the one of the extra slots along with Seth Rogen (as opposed to Paul Rudd or John C. Reilly, for example). Especially since Superbad made less than a million dollars in Italy. Nonetheless, this is an interesting cover and of course it makes perfect sense that Ben Stiller is in the "center square" where he belongs.
We were pleased to have written a forward for this issue, which is available now. There's a summary on the Nocturno website, though it may be a tough read unless you're familiar with the Italian language. Check it out!
Trailer for Forgetting Sarah Marshall
by Kevin Crossman
A couple interesting things. First, the title. Not "Dumped" as had been rumored but the original title. While Knocked Up had kind of a generic title (compared to, say, The 40 Year-Old Virgin), Dumped is just too generic. Of course, Forgetting Sarah Marshall is set to open in late May and is the next film from the Judd Apatow comedy machine (Judd's the producer here). The film is written by Jason Segal who also stars of course. The film is helmed by first-time director Nicholas Stoller (who wrote the song "Blades of Glory").
There's some funny stuff here in a trailer that is surprisingly risque. Male nudity? Check. Cameos from Apatow regulars Bill Hader, Jonah Hill, and Paul Rudd? Check, check, and check. And, yes fanboys, Kristen Bell as Sarah Marshall sure looks cute.
What's missing from the trailer? Well, there's no view of the movie premiere scene that the Tribute's Rick Duran was an extra on during filming. And there's no sneak peek at Kristen Wiig's cameo, preported to be hiliarious.
For Christmas, The People Want Cox
by Kevin Crossman
This tune was a highlight of the Cox Across America Tour and it's nice to hear a studio version of this song that's sure to be an annual hit for the holidays.
Another Positive Review: Walk Hard is "Absolutely Fantastic"
by Josh Watts
I got the surprise privilege to attend an invitation-only preview screening of the movie at Regal last night. It was great. Seriously, I got a ticket yesterday and was in a pretty rotten mood going into the theater, and even that couldn't spoil the film for me.
Whoever was behind the costume and set designing deserves a medal. Every musical period represented was handled beautifully. Obviously, it was absolutely hilarious, too. Not quite as funny as Talladega Nights, but handled better as a movie overall. I guarantee you're all going to leave the theater dying to buy the soundtrack. I was so disappointed when I couldn't find a copy! Planning to look again today, no doubt. (the iTunes Edition provides "instant gratification" and is a better overall package anyway -- Ed.)
Most importantly to this website, this movie's very, very "Frat Pack." All of the cameos, especially Jonah Hill and all the Beatles players, but so many others too, just stick out brilliantly for us devoted fans.
The tone is perfect, too, and John absolutely shines in it. I give it a 4.5/5 stars. Docked a half-point for not bringing quite as much overall funny as John's last Frat Pack-excursion, Talladega Nights, but still an absolutely fantastic motion picture.
Kevin, in your review you call it "the best 'mockumentary' since This is Spinal Tap." That's not fair; Walk Hard was way, way better than that movie.
Apatow Address "Backlash"; Includes Frat Pack Tribute Image
by Kevin Crossman
Today is a pretty good for those of us here at the Tribute. First off is a hilarous new FunnyorDie video from Judd Apatow. The video features Apatow-regulars Paul Rudd, Jonah Hill, Justin Long, and Craig Robinson and directly addresses the cross-promotion from the various Apatow properties and acting troupe.
Eagle-eyed Tribute editor Jack Wilson noted that one of our Frat Pack Tribute South Park Images of Seth Rogen is visible in the video. Here's a still image from the video, along with the original image. Congrats to Karen Pok for creating the image and having it get noticed by Judd Apatow and crew.
Karen Pok's Version of the Knocked Up Poster
Karen Pok's Latest: Dewey Cox
Dewey Cox Likes to "Block Hard" on Monday Night Football
by Kevin Crossman
Check out the new version of the Walk Hard title track with lyrics rewritten just last week by Dan Bern. This appeared prior to kickoff of tonight's Monday Night Football contest between the Vikings and Bears.
Travolta Out and Stiller In(?) for Dallas Movie; God Help Us All
by Kevin Crossman
As if the constant rumors of Luke Wilson's involvement weren't enough, now there's word that the producers of the Dallas movie remake are interested in taking the film in a more comedic direction. So, John Travolta who was tapped to play patriarch JR Ewing is now out. And who to replace him? Ben Stiller, apparently (if one believes the NY Post).
According the Post, "Producers decided the picture needed "more laughs" and called for an entirely new, slapstick script and was rewritten as "a 'show-within-a-show' comedy," like the Nicole Kidman bomb "Bewitched.""
Now, Ben Stiller's work on Extras would indicate he'd do a great job on the "show within a show" concept, but consider a similar theme for Tropic Thunder, would Stiller be up for the same concept again? Plus, Bewitched is hardly a great template to work from (though we think Will Ferrell did fine in the movie that was ruined by Nicole Kidman).
And lastly, does anyone else remember Larry Hagman as JR in the original Dallas TV show? He was a big, strapping guy. We could see someone like Vince Vaughn tapped for that role, but Ben Stiller? We love the Ben, but... no.
Favreau Plays Vaughn's Brother in Four Christmases
by Kevin Crossman
Yeah we know that Jon Favreau's directing career is looking mighty fine with the super buzz for next summer's comic blockbuster, Iron Man. But to be honest we'd like to see more of Jon's acting, and not just in projects starring his Frat Pack buddies Vince Vaughn (The Break-Up) or Will Ferrell (Elf, also directed). Nonetheless, we'll take what we can get.
The Hollywood Reporter is reporting that Jon will be joining the cast of Four Christmases. Favreau and Tim McGraw will play Dallas and Denver, respectively, two bullying siblings who delight in tormenting their brother, Brad (Vaughn), during the holidays. Frequent Vaughn collaborator Dwight Yoakam (Wedding Crashers) will also appear as Pastor Phil, the overly zealous partner of Brad's new wife Kate's (Reese Witherspoon) mother (Mary Steenburgen).
Four Christmases will be released next Christmas.
For Your Consideration?
by Rick Duran
Check out this collection of For Your Consideration ads. They've got several for Knocked Up, one for Steve Carell in Dan in Real Life, one for the Superbad team, and an especially hilarious one for John C. Reilly in "the finest role of his monumental career."
December 16, 2007
Podcast #159: Walk Hard Movie and Concert Review
The main event is a review of the Walk Hard movie and the Dewey Cox Across America concert tour. Plus, we have a couple key tracks from the soundtrack and movie. Learn why we think Walk Hard is the best mockumentary since This is Spinal Tap and why we gave the film five stars.
Plus, a discussion of "Heigl-gate", Will Ferrell's comedy tour, another black mark for Luke Wilson, trouble on the set for Vince Vaughn, and Owen Wilson's "bromance" with Woody Harrelson.
Thanks to Rick Duran, Adam Stevenson, Sharon Gruber, and Drew Hunt for production support.
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Winter Wonderland?
by Amy Gilbert
A humbling experience... Live for 4 days or more in a big city where 98% of the town has no electricity. It's like Jericho in real life. I've been told President Bush has declared our entire state of Oklahoma a Federal disaster area, with something like +250,000 people without power. Trees laying across roads, on houses, cars, power lines laying on the ground, shotty cell phone coverage, and most important no heat.
In a world where chatting with people from Sweden to California is commonplace, not knowing what's going on 2 blocks away is frustrating. It's amazing how people can adapt though...
My thoughts:
Times like these bring the family together... free of the electric distractions. I've never had so much fun playing scrabble, reading and being read to and my son (who still talks about doing his homework by firelight). Unfortunately, schools are still going to be out because all the food spoiled and they have nothing to feed the kids if and when the power finally comes back on... We are lucky, we were only out 4 days, but some homes and businesses are still cold and in the dark.
Meanwhile, life moves on here at the Frat Pack Tribute. So, now seems an appropriate time to highlight this cute winter animation created by Reina from The Wilsons message board, featuring the Wilson brothers, Ben Stiller, and Wes Anderson. Click on image to view.
David Wain's Wainy Days
by Kevin Crossman
The Ten director David Wain has an internet show loosely based on his life (think Curb Your Enthusiasm for the web) called Wainy Days, running on the FunnyorDie-like My Damn Channel. The show has featured many familiar faces from Wain's Stella troupe and related projects like Wet Hot American Summer.
Past guests have included Elizabeth Banks, Jonah Hill, Rob Corddry, Rashida Jones, Ken Marino, and Michael Ian Black. Paul Rudd is scheduled for the episode premiering on December 31st. In the meantime, the latest episode is pretty funny and features great cameos from Apatow regulars Martin Starr, David Krumholtz, and Christopher Mintz-Plasse. Check out the show and the site.
John C. Reilly and Judd Apatow Comment on Golden Globe Noms
by Kevin Crossman
"I am thrilled and honored that the HFPA has acknowledged the hard work of everyone who poured their hearts into Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story. I look forward to celebrating our film and all the other great movies, comedic and dramatic, at this years Golden Globes. I am proud to carry the torch for Jake Kasdan, Judd Apatow, and Mike Andrews without whom I could not have pulled off this performance. Somewhere, Dewey Cox is smiling."
John C. Reilly
"I'm very proud of John C. Reilly and even more proud of Dewey Cox. Dewey would have loved this if he wasn't dead."
Judd Apatow
Frat Pack Tribute Movie Review: Juno ()
by Drew Hunt
Is the film to smart for its own good? Absolutely. But it's also hilarious. Undoubtedly one of the funniest films of the year.
In the film, Juno (Ellen Page) is eventually faced with an unlikely decision, between two men who offer very different paths. Jason Bateman plays the potential adoptive father as a case of, well, arrested development, a man who still pines for his rock and roll glory days and takes the impending birth even less seriously than Juno does. Then there's the bewildered, loyal Bleeker, yet another inspired Michael Cera performance, this time with the nervous smile erased by decency and concern.
Frat Pack Tribute Movie Review: Smiley Face ()
by Sharon Gruber
This film is by far one of the funniest films I have seen in a while. The narration reminds me a bit of Idiocracy. The storyline isn’t very strong, but the comedy throughout is definitely worth the watch. I didn’t leave with a feeling of Smiley Face being a great film, but it did make an impact on me in some way as to where I would say that this is one of the most unique, and funniest pot smoking films that I have ever seen. Do go and see this film, at least once.
Smiley Face stars Anna Faris (My Super-Ex Girlfriend), John Krasinski (The Office), and Jane Lynch (The 40 Year-Old Virgin, Talladega Nights).
John C. Reilly and "Walk Hard" Score Golden Globe Noms
by Kevin Crossman
The Golden Globe Award nominations were announced today and heading the list was John C. Reilly, nominated for Best Actor, Musical of Comedy for Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story. The films title track was nominated for Best Song as well (written by Marshall Crenshaw, Jake Kasdan, John C. Reilly, Judd Apatow).
Steve Carell score a familiar nod for Best TV Actor, Comedy. However, The Office missed a series nomination.
Other familiar faces with nominations included Amy Adams (Best Actress, Musical or Comedy for Enchanted), Philip Seymour Hoffman (Best Actor, Comedy for The Savages and Best Supporting Actor, Charlie Wilson's War), and Ricky Gervais (competing against Carell with Extras)
Unfortunately, the critically-acclaimed comedies Knocked Up and Superbad were not nominated.
Photos from the Walk Hard Premiere Last Evening in Hollywood
by Rick Duran
Jenna Fischer and John C. Reilly
Writer/Producer/Director Jake Kasdan and Writer/Producer Judd Apatow
Costar Kristen Wiig
Justin Long and Jonah Hill (both have cameos in Walk Hard)
Christopher Mintz-Plasse meets Jack Black
Will Ferrell
Costars Chris Parnell, Matt Besser, Tim Meadows
Justin Long, Seth Rogen, Christopher Mintz-Plasse
The only Apatow regular without a cameo, Seth Rogen and girlfriend Lauren Miller
Step Brothers Ferrell and Reilly Share a Laugh
Dewey Cox and the Hard Walkers rock the house
Watch the Replay
Watch the Beatles Scene from Walk Hard
by Kevin Crossman
This isn't the complete scene but since they are advertising this on the home page of YouTube I guess we can spoil things over here, too. This section of the scene is kind of a set-up for the second half that I guess everyone will have to wait for at the theatre.
Ladies and Gentlemen, Rudd, Black, Long, and Schwartzman. The Beatles!
Updated: Funny or Die has an extended version of the scene so we've updated the video to use that clip instead. This still doesn't includes the entire Beatles sequence, however.
We've posted some photos from the San Francisco leg of the Cox Across America Tour.
Set List
Encore
Straight to Video for Luke Wilson's Blonde Ambition
by Kevin Crossman
It's too bad that we didn't see this one coming a mile away, unfortunately. Luke hasn't had a great year and this is just another punch in the gut. Still, we can't say we're not interested in this movie that also features Andy Dick and Penelope Ann Miller.
Sony Pictures Home Entertainment has announced Blonde Ambition which stars Jessica Simpson, Luke Wilson, Penelope Ann Miller, and Rachael Leigh Cook. The Scott Marshall directed comedy will be available to own on January 22, 2008, and should retail at around $24.96. The only extra material will be deleted scenes, and a behind the scenes featurette.
Official Semi-Pro Website Officially Updated
by Vicky Millington
The official site has been updated. Check out Jackie's hotshots for more pics from the film. Love the clothes! Plus, new videos, wallpapers, etc. Nice!
How about Tropics sweat bands as a promotional item, just like the Dewey Cox pants. Take note marketing people!!!
Would go nicely with my kung fu outfit for when i'm training.
Memorial Weekend at the Museum
by Rick Duran
2007 is just wrapping up and 20th Century Fox is already lining up its big guns for Summer 2009. The big announcement is Night at the Museum 2: Escape from the Smithsonian. Ben Stiller will reprise his role as Larry Daley, as the sequel moves from New York to the Washington DC’s famed Smithsonian.
This will be the first major Hollywood production to film inside the actual museum, unlike the first film where the Museum of Natural History would not allow any interior shooting. Fox has set a May 22nd, 2009 Memorial Weekend release date, a date they were originally saving for James Cameron’s sci-fi epic Avatar.
Variety reports that casting will be announced in the coming weeks, “with some actors from the first film expected to return.” Back in July, it was reported that Robin Williams will be returning, though we haven’t seen any official studio confirmation. Also, we’re not holding our breath for Owen Wilson to return just yet. Variety has reported that Smithsonian will feature several new historical figures, including Amelia Earhart whom Reese Witherspoon has been approached to play.
Witherspoon is currently shooting Four Christmases with Fred Claus himself, Vince Vaughn. Is Reese trying to Aniston her way into the Frat Pack Circle of Trust? Only time will tell.
Run, Do Not Walk Hard, to See This Movie (
)
Movie review by Kevin Crossman
With Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story, filmmakers Jake Kasdan and Judd Apatow have created one of the most unique movie experiences in years. The film works equally as a musical parody for fans in the know, but also as standard farce for less-knowledgable moviegoers. Plus, it's an outstanding story that provides genuine emotional appeal with a surprisingly engaging story about redemption and family. It also happens to be one of the funniest films of the year and the best "mockumentary" since This is Spinal Tap.
Film buffs who like cameos will love Walk Hard. The film features a veritable cornucopia of gag casting, featuring numerous performers from past Apatow productions. In addition to the aforementioned Beatles casting, the film also features Frankie Muniz as Buddy Holly and musician Jack White as Elvis. Other cameos are so delightful they won't be spoiled here, but let's just say that you won't be disappointed unless you're a fan of Will Ferrell (who doesn't appear) or Patrick Duffy (who's cameo from the trailer didn't make the final cut).
Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story opens on December 21st.
Paul Rudd and Jason Segel ‘Love You, Man’
by Rick Duran
The films from the Apatow Mafia keep coming.
Hot on the heels of last week’s announcement of Chris Mintz-Plasse joining Year One, we now have news that Paul Rudd and Jason Segel will star in I Love You, Man. Ben Stiller’s pal John Hamburg (director of Along Came Polly, screenwriter of Zoolander and both Fockers films) wrote the script and will direct the film for Dreamworks, in which stars Rudd as a man about to get married who actively seeks out a male friend to be his best man for the wedding (Segel.)
It’s great to see these two Knocked Up scene-stealers giving us a straight-forward buddy comedy. The plot seems like a film Stiller and Owen Wilson would have signed up for. Weddings have provided classic set-ups for films like Old School and Wedding Crashers. Here’s hoping this new project lives up to those buddy comedy standards.
Jason Segel will next be seen in May’s Forgetting Sarah Marshall, in which Paul Rudd has a cameo. The Frat Pack Tribute had a chance to chat with both actors this summer.
The Batemans Are Speechless
by Kevin Crossman
Another one of the WGA "Speechless" strike videos, featuring Frat Pack friend Jason Bateman and his sister and SAG board member Justine Bateman.
Will Ferrell Wins "Celebrity Athlete of the Year"
by Kevin Crossman
This isn't a joke folks. Will Ferrell has run a couple marathons and was honored at the Endurance Sports Awards. Check out Will's acceptance speech.
Has Sarah Marshall been ‘Dumped?’
by Rick Duran
The stars of next May’s Judd Apatow-produced Jason Segel comedy Forgetting Sarah Marshall are stating the title has now been changed to Dumped. Word first came from a fansite for one of the film’s co-stars, Russell Brand, that the actor first announced the title change. Then at this weekend’s Spike TV Video Game Awards, actress Kristen Bell also confirmed the title change. Watch for yourself (mentioned at the 1:40 mark):
Could this title change have anything to do with the film’s opening weekend competition? Sharing Sarah Marshall/Dumped’s May 30th release date is the Sex and the City movie, which will open huge. The real question is which film will have staying power. If SATC is a bad movie, it will drop-off quickly. But even with a 60% drop-off, it could still do Devil Wears Prada numbers.
Sarah Marshall will have to bring in a high percentage of young audiences, in addition to the women who see SATC. If the title did change, it's probably to seem as un-"chick flick" as possible. What Knocked Up had in its favor were no counter-programming rivals for the female market, allowing it to play strong despite the Pirates and Shreks of summer 07.
Also, the big question: will Sarah Marshall/Dumped be funny enough to survive the summer blockbusters like Indiana Jones and Iron Man? The test reviews suggest it has a couple of sex scenes that might rival SATC's. One sure thing: Sex and the City doesn't have a (supposedly graphic) sex scene with Jack McBrayer (30 Rock, Talladega Nights), of all people. Let's hope creepy = funny.
Read about our FSM set visit and
Learn more about Forgetting Sarah Marshall / Dumped
Official Site Launches for Drillbit Taylor
by Rick Duran
Nothing at the official website yet except the trailer we've all seen. However, there's a nice tagline "Budget Bodyguard" and a nice image of Owen to "boot." Meanwhile we've updated our Drillbit Taylor preview page with some additional stills from the movie.
Visit the Frat Pack Tribute's Preview
Dewey Cox in Concert
by Drew Hunt
Paul Searle has now posted video from the Cox Across American tour stop in Chicago. This is amazing footage.
There's also some additional footage of Dewey Cox at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Thanks to our tipster Laura Telles for the link.
Tenacious D Debut New Song in WGA Protest
By Kevn Crossman
Not only did Jack Black and Kyle Gass show their support for the ongong strike by the Writers Guild of America, they debuted a new song "Fuck the Bullshit." Then they did rousing and thematically appropriate renditions of "City Hall" and "The Government Totally Sucks." Check out the footage from Friday's protest rally.
"Heigl-Gate" Update
by Kevin Crossman
It hasn't been a stellar week for the stars of the hilarious and critically acclaimed summer blockbuster Knocked Up. Earlier in the week we reported on a Vanity Fair quote where Katherine Heigl called the movie sexist and referred to the female characters as shrews.
Apatow Missed the Glasses Memo
(from Left: Paul Rudd, Jonah Hill, Judd Apatow, Seth Rogen)
Looks like Writer-Director Judd Apatow and Star-Exec. Producer Seth Rogen has some things to say at the GQ Men of the Year party. USA Today had some choice quotes.
"I don't think the movie's sexist, I think there are characters in the movie who are sexist," clarified writer/director Judd Apatow, who hasn't spoken with Heigl about her comments. "Apparently Vanity Fair needs to sell some magazines. They've got to turn up the controversy. I'm sure when they get you talking for hours and hours, a couple lines taken out of context seem more interesting than they really are."
Rogen meanwhile was picking up the Man of the Year Award and was a bit less diplomatic. And, yes, Rogen really did win a Women's Image Network Award.
"We won A Women's Image Network Award; I picked it up myself," he reminded, adding, "I don't really talk to Katie." Does that mean she's off his Christmas list? "Yeah, exactly. Oh yeah, like she was on it before."
Meanwhile, People is reporting that Heigl is "clearing up" her previous quotes. Sounds like some serious backtracking to me, though if you notice she actually doesn't retract the previous statment.
"It's important to me to take a minute and clarify the quote about Knocked Up in Vanity Fair. I was responding to previous reviews about the movie the interviewer brought to my attention. My motive was to encourage other women like myself to not take that element of the movie too seriously and to remember that it's a broad comedy.
Although I stand behind my opinion, I'm disheartened that it has become the focus of my experience with the movie. The truth is, it was the best filming experience of my career. Every person that was a part of making Knocked Up helped to encourage, support and inspire me. I never intended for anyone to think otherwise."
Watch the First Ten Minutes of Walk Hard
by Kevin Crossman
There's a lot to like in this ten minute clip that serves as the prologue for Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story.
I spotted references to Ray Charles, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis and the look and feel of this movie doesn't feel like a standard parody. There aren't big laughs here, but after listening to the Deluxe Exclusive Edition of the Soundtrack and more convinced than ever at the greatness of this movie.
Exclusive Photos of Dewey Cox in Concert
by Drew Hunt
Big thanks to Paul Searle for taking some amazing shots of Dewey Cox in concert in Chicago last night.
Paul said it was pretty amazing. Dewey kept unzipping his pants and pulling out red scarves from his crotch, and giving them to the ladies. He also commented on a Mr. John C. Reily, whom he thought did an amazing job portraying him in an upcoming movie.
Heartbreak Kid DVD Details
by Kevin Crossman
This movie isn't going to go into the Stiller hall of fame, but it wasn't without some charms (read our review). That said, the movie certain underperformed at the box office, even considering it's R rating. The overseas box office has been better, however ($108 million worldwide to date).
The DVD looks like a good, but not stellar release. The movie was raunchy enough so there isn't an "unrated" version. Here are the notable extras.
Looks like they cribbed the Apatow-inspired tagline "From the guys who brought you There's Something About Mary." Is anyone sick of this "from the guy" stuff like I am?
The Heartbreak Kid will be available on DVD on December 26.
Semi-Pro Trailer Debuts at Access Hollywood
by Kevin Crossman
If you thought New Line Cinema would go in an unusual marketing direction for Will Ferrell's latest sports-comedy think again. The trailer is straight out of the Talladega Nights and Blades of Glory playbook.
Then again, the movie is probably out of that playbook as well. In any case, it's pretty funny and features some good stuff from Frat Pack Friend David Koechner (as the ABA Commisioner!). Plus, Will Ferrell wrestles a bear - hopefully this will stay in the movie unlike the similar cougar scene from Talladega that was less funny in the movie compared to the trailer.
Mintz-Plasse and Cross Join Jack Black and Michael Cera for Year One
by Kevin Crossman
Superbad's McLovin', Christopher Mintz-Plasse, will reunite with producer Judd Apatow for Columbia's "Year One," a comedy set in biblical times. Oliver Platt, David Cross, Vinnie Jones and Juno Temple are also in final negotiations for the film.
The movie stars Jack Black and Michael Cera and is being directed by Harold Ramis. Filming is set to begin in January in Louisiana and New Mexico. Platt is in talks to play a platform-shoe-wearing high priest in the comedy, while Jones is on board to play a head palace guard named Sargon. Cross and Temple's roles are not known.
The studio is keeping mum on the story line, which is based on a story by Ramis who, along with Gene Stupnitsky and Lee Eisenberg (The Office), wrote the screenplay.
With the movie starring both Cera and Mintz-Plasse, you think there's a good chance for a cameo from Superbad costar Jonah Hill? We certainly hope so.
New Heartwarming Ads for Fred Claus
By Kevin Crossman
I noticed the new TV ads are veering away from the "Vince acting like a crazy brother" and focusing on the "every kid deserves a present on Christmas" storyline.
That's actually one of the best parts of the movie, but it seems odd to change the marketing so significantly. Then again, maybe they're trying to catch a second wind with filmgoers who have skipped the movie so far.
Will Ferrell's Semi-Pro/FunnyorDie Tour in Feb 2008
By Kevin Crossman
Will Ferrell and a trio of up-and-coming comics are hitting the road in support of New Line's "Semi-Pro," launching a multicity college standup tour linked to his FunnyorDie website. The tour is called "Will Ferrell's Funny or Die Comedy Tour Presented by Semi-Pro," will kick off Feb. 4 in Kansas City and serve as a promotional vehicle for the February 29 release of the film.
Ferrell will headline seven shows over three weeks in February, teaming with standups Zach Galifianakis, Demetri Martin and Nick Swardson (Blades of Glory). The tour also promotes FunnyorDie, which will have a video crew tagging along throughout the tour.
Clips from the standup dates, as well as other features linked to the tour, will be posted regularly on the popular viral video site. In turn, FunnyorDie will also be extensively promoting "Semi-Pro," posting a new video starring Ferrell and co-star Andrew Daly at least once a week in the months leading up to the film's release.
"Not only will this tour make people laugh, but it's going to change lives ... I think," Ferrell said.
The tour will focus on East Coast and Midwest colleges, with stops in Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Boston and North Carolina.
Meanwhile, FunnyorDie's latest viral video hit is High-Five Hollywood. It's hard to describe exactly why this clip has such quirky appeal. Sure, there's the Will Ferrell cameo, along with other celebrities like Tim Meadows and Ryan Seacrest. Maybe we're just partial to the connection to the Hollywood sign, the well-known location of Frat Pack HQ (according to Jack Black!).
Christmas Come Early
by Kevin Crossman
Some more positive news today as two highly anticipated releases make it to stores. First up is the Superbad DVD, including the two-disc unrated extended edition. Highlights include a Gag reel, unrated additional footage, audio commentary, deleted and extended scenes, a "Behind-the-Scenes" plus nine other featurettes.
Turning our attention to a future feature release, the Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story Soundtrack drops today. Featuring a host of future cinema classics, or at the very least some of the more interesting titles we've seen on a soundtrack album.
| 1. Walk Hard 2. Take My Hand 3. (Mama) You Got To Love Your Negro Man 4. A Life Without You (Is No Life At All) 5. Let's Duet 6. Darling 7. (I Hate You) Big Daddy 8. Guilty As Charged 9. Dear Mr. President 10. Let Me Hold You (Little Man) 11. Royal Jelly 12. Black Sheep 13. Starman 14. Beautiful Ride 15. (Have You Heard The News) Dewey Cox Died |
Meanwhile, it seems that "Box of Cox" collection has surfaced as a "Deluxe Exclusive" edition at iTunes. The 30 song collection features all the tracks from the original soundtrack (sans the Bowie cover "Starman") with additional songs from the movie.
Katherine Heigl Knocks Knocked Up
By Kevin Crossman
Based on the univerally bad buzz she's getting already it hardly seems fair to kick a sister when she's down. But when you open your mouth sometimes you have to take the medicine and this stuff is especially sour.
US Magazine's website is reporting that Knocked Up star Katherine Heigl had disparaging words for her feature film breakthough:
Katherine Heigl is knocking her summer hit Knocked Up for being "a little sexist.
“It paints the women as shrews, as humorless and uptight, and it paints the men as goofy, fun-loving guys,” the actress — who just turned 29 — tells January's Vanity Fair.
“It was hard for me to love the movie,” she says, even though the comedy elevated her asking price from $300,000 to $6 million for her next flick.
I'm not sure I understand where Heigl's head is at with these comments. Sure, Seth Rogen and Paul Rudd were painted a sympathetic in Knocked Up, but these guys were clearly not perfectly pictured either. Rogen has numerous moments where he is shown as irresponsible and self-absorbed, prior to "growing up" and getting a job to support his family.
Finally, even if she didn't "love" the movie, I think Heigl has about 5.7 million reasons to keep her pie hole shut about it while she laughs all the way to the bank. She could have been grateful to Knocked Up for making her a feature film star as well as one on TV, but instead Heigl seems to think that winning an Emmy equates to winning an Oscar or something.
I guess Seth Rogen said it best...
First Clip of Pineapple Express Leaks onto Net; Disappoints
by Kevin Crossman
If you can't wait another two days for the Superbad DVD, the Pineapple Express preview clip has leaked and is now available on YouTube. Pineapple Express stars Seth Rogen and James Franco in an action comedy with a decidedly "dope" storyline. Rogen cowrote the script along with Evan Goldberg (Superbad) and Judd Apatow (who also produced).
Of course, we're big fans of Seth Rogen's work around these parts. He was great in a supporting turn in Steve Carell's breakthough in The 40 Year-Old Virgin. And he was one of the best parts in the underappreciated You, Me and Dupree with Owen Wilson. Plus, Seth's made a pretty big name for himself in two of the funniest movies of 2007, Knocked Up and Superbad.
That said, we can't claim to be fans of James Franco's work. And, unfortunately, we see nothing in this clip to change our mind. In fact, if this is the clip they've chosen to unleash on the world, we think Sony should rethink that decision (we are, of course, obliged to insert a "what were they smoking" reference right about now). The clip isn't funny and isn't very interesting either. The future of joint engineering? Uh, okay...
Sony, you did such a great job marketing Superbad. But you need to cut together a real teaser trailer. Something with some car chases and gunplay, okay?
Update: Sony has pulled the clip from YouTube. Check the Superbad DVD to see the disappointing clip.
Curious About Rogen and Franco's Previous Work?
by Rick Duran, Senior Editor
Regarding the Pineapple Express clip, I was curious how people would react to James Franco. Apparently he steals the movie right out from under Rogen. I recently picked up Freaks and Geeks, and based on that Pineapple clip, it's practically the same character.
Regarding Freaks, if you get a chance to Netflix a few discs, it'll become clear why Judd Apatow talks about Jason Segel so much. The guy's a terrific physical comedian. However, if you're looking for Seth Rogen, you're better off renting Undeclared. Much more screentime on that one. Freaks is the better show (B+ for F&G, B- for Undec.), but maybe just two episodes revolve around Rogen.
I wonder if we'll see a Pineapple teaser with Walk Hard in late February. I'd imagine Sony is more inclined to attach a Step Brothers teaser with that one. Based on the Knocked/Superbad campaigns, I'd assume we're a month away from a Forgetting Sarah Marshall trailer, two/three from Pineapple.
Happy 42nd Birthday to Ben Stiller!
by Rick Duran
We here at the Frat Pack Tribute would like to wish a very Happy 42nd Birthday to the leader of the Pack, Mr. Ben Stiller. From The Ben Stiller Show to There's Something About Mary to Zoolander, Ben has influenced the face of comedy in the 21st century and we can't thank him enough.
The leader and architect of Hollywood's Comedy Clique
Ben Stiller
New
Dewey Cox concert announced in Cleveland, Ohio.
by Rick Duran
Details are now being released for a new John C. Reilly concert as "Dewey Cox and the Hard Walkers." This new event will take place Wednesday, December 5th at the Rock 'N Roll Hall of Fame Museum in Cleveland, Ohio. Want to attend? The first 500 people to e-mail coxroxcleveland@yahoo.com with their name and address will receive tickets! Of course, anyone who attends is expected to file a report for our Podcast.
More Semi-Pro photos released
by Rick Duran
The publicity machine for Will Ferrell's February basketball comedy continues. Check out our Semi-Pro Preview Page for several new publicity photos that have been released.
New films from Luke Wilson and Jack Black to premiere at
Sundance
by Rick Duran
The Sundance Film Festival isn't normally associated with Frat Pack stars,
but the 2008
festival will have Jack Black's Be Kind Rewind and Luke Wilson's Henry Poole is Here premiering out of competition. We already love
what we've seen from Be Kind, but we're really curious about Henry
Poole. In that film, Luke plays a man who returns to this hometown to
die.
In related news, the poster for Be Kind Rewind has just been released. The collage-themed artwork illustrates the low-budget tactics used by Jack Black and Mos Def to recreate and replace movies that were accidentally erased. Who knew the VHS format could inspire such a wild concept?
EW declares Apatow, Ferrell and Stiller among Hollywood's "Smartest"
by Rick Duran
Judd Apatow was ranked #1 in Entertainment Weekly's list of "The
50 Smartest People in Hollywood." Frat Pack members Will Ferrell
and Ben Stiller came in at number 17 and 20, respectively.
Here are some highlights from the article:
WILL FERRELL: He proved
himself a new-media pioneer, launching the trailblazing comedy site FunnyOrDie
with director Adam McKay and a little help from a foulmouthed toddler.
Still the king of tighty-whitie mountain, Ferrell is so genius at playing
dumb that even a one-joke wonder like Blades of Glory skates past
the $100 million mark.See
"Dewey Cox and the Hard Walkers" live in Hollywood on December 3rd
by Rick Duran
This Monday, December 3rd, John C. Reilly will take the stage in his Walk
Hard character at The Roxy in Hollywood for "Cox at the Rox."
Want to attend? Just be one of the first people in line at 7pm (show starts
at 7:30.) All that's required for admission is this
flyer from Sonypictures.com. Will Dewey Cox perform "Let's Duet"
with his wife Darlene (Jenna Fischer)? One can only assume that some of Reilly's
pals like Will Ferrell, Jack Black, Judd Apatow or Paul Rudd might be in attendance.
Any Frat Pack Tribute readers that attend this special concert should call
our hotline (1-206-666-FRAT) with reports.
Semi-Pro promo pictures!
by Rick Duran
Thanks to Karen Pok for finding these first two promotional photos from Will Ferrell's Semi-Pro. It's great to see his famous 'fro in action on the court. The talk show picture brings to mind Will's SNL days. Semi-Pro opens in theaters February 29th, 2008. We should expect a trailer in the next couple weeks (most likely attached to Walk Hard.)
Does Rogen 'want a new drug' from Huey Lewis?
by Rick Duran
Entertainment
Weekly has an
interesting scoop regarding next August's Pineapple Express. The
film's star/writer/producer Seth Rogen has allegedly been meeting with 80's
hit-maker Huey Lewis to write and perform the film's theme song. "Seth's
looking for something in the vein of 'Power of Love,'" says a source,
referring to Huey Lewis and the News's 1985 hit, which was the theme song
to Back to the Future. Nothing about that classic tune makes it an
obvious musical inspiration for a stoner action comedy, but we think this
unexpected choice could be absolutely hilarious in the right context.
Keep in mind, Rogen and James Franco play stoned pals on the run from the blaring guns of corrupts cops. Now picture that, set to the music of Huey Lewis.
Heartbreak Kid performs better overseas
by Mario Bernengo
I guess the rest of the world ain't tired of Ben Stiller yet. Man, for all
the people out there claiming they hate him, and despite some awful reviews
for The Heartbreak Kid, Ben can still pull some amazing numbers out
of his ass.
Get this: flick is about to break the combined domestic/foreign 100,000,000 dollar barrier. To date, it has made $62,331,188 in the rest of the world, compared to $36,701,648 domestically.
Stiller's Red Hour bringing "Gods" to television
In other Ben Stiller news, his Red Hour Films has optioned Marie Phillips'
novel, "Gods Behaving Badly," to develop
it into a comedy series. This high concept tale is set in London, "where
the gods of ancient Greece have been living together in a house since the
1660s. They still are running the world, fighting with one another, but they
are dangerously bored and living in much reduced circumstances. Apollo has
turned a Goldman Sachs market trader into a tree after she refused casual
sex with him. Aphrodite runs a telephone sex service."
The book is currently available in the UK, and will be available in the US on December 10th. Have any of our UK readers checked out this novel? Hit up our hotline (1-206-666-FRAT) and let us know if Stiller's got a potential hit.
USA Today previews Walk Hard
by Rick Duran
USA
Today has a great slideshow
feature with still images of Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story. In
addition to some great photos, including this one of John C. Reilly with Frankie
Muniz (as Buddy Holly) and Ed Helms (The Office), there's also some
great commentary from Reilly and director Jake Kasdan.
Director/co-writer Jake Kasdan says the spoofs on famous people are only "tangentially related" to what the artists are actually like. "We try not to let facts get in the way," he says. The slideshow also features this choice quote from Reilly about the infamous Beatles scene: "That's part of the fun of hiring Jack Black to be Paul McCartney. You let him go crazy and see what comes out of it.
McKay says no Step Brothers for Ferrell's "Landlord."
by Rick Duran
Don't
hold your breath for Pearl, the star of FunnyOrDie's "The Landlord"
and "Good Cop/Baby Cop," to cameo in father Adam McKay's next Will
Ferrell/John C. Reilly comedy, Step Brothers. In an EW
article about FunnyOrDie, McKay says he just can't bring himself to use
his daughters for laughs, despite her being an internet sensation with over
50 million video viewers. ''It starts feeling a little creepy, riding your
2-year-old daughter,'' he says. Then again, he has to admit that the thought
crosses his mind. ''There's a role in Step Brothers, and I said
to Will, 'Pearl could play this.' He was like, 'Oh, she would destroy.
Four lines from her would bring the house down.' Even now as I'm saying it...'' He looks at Ferrell and shakes his head. ''Oh, it would have been good.''
While we respect McKay for keeping his daughter out of the spotlight, knowing we won't see Pearl cursing at Ferrell and Reilly definitely bums us out.
Will Ferrell, Adam McKay and The Apatow Gang are EW's Class Clowns of
'07
by Rick Duran
It's
no surprise that Entertainment Weekly is
hailing the breakout year for Judd Apatow's Gang/Comedy Mafia/Apt Pack
with Knocked Up, Superbad, and the upcoming Walk Hard. Apatow
(pictured with Seth Rogen, Leslie Mann, Jonah Hill and Paul Rudd) has becoming
Hollywood's go-to-guy, after his two modestly-budgeted summer films brought
in nearly $300 million in collective grosses. Today, when studio execs have
a comedy that feels flat or formulaic, the call goes out to ''Judd it up''
— sweet irony for a man once best known for critically beloved flops
like TV's Freaks and Geeks. ''It was always my dream to become a verb,''
Apatow deadpans. ''That's what I wrote in my high school yearbook.''
Next year will see the release of two Apatow productions starring Frat Packers Owen Wilson (Drillbit Taylor) and Will Ferrell (Step Brothers), in addition to production beginning on The Year One starring Jack Black and Superbad's Michael Cera. As for Judd's "Apt Pack," his Freaks alum will be headlining next May's Forgetting Sarah Marshall (with Jason Segel) and August's Pineapple Express (with Rogen and James Franco.)
With
Pack members like Vince, Ben and Luke striking out at the box office in 2007,
it makes sense that EW would turn to the internet for this year's biggest
Frat Pack story: the
launch of Will Ferrell and director Adam McKay's FunnyOrDie.com.
This online comedy sensation began with the April 12th debut of "The Landlord," which has been viewed more than 48 million times (FunnyOrDie averages about 3.5 million hits a month.) Thus far, FunnyOrDie has yet to turn any kind of profit (''We're doing quite well, if by 'well' you mean getting no money and working a lot,'' McKay says drily), but Sequoia Capital has already poured several millions of dollars into the site, banking on a future in which FunnyOrDie operates as a sort of Web 2.0 version of Comedy Central, supported by advertising and available on any device with a screen.
In October, it was revealed that Ferrell and McKay had signed Apatow, their producing partner from Anchorman, Talladega Nights and Step Brothers, as a third partner on the site, further certifying its legitimacy as a go-to spot for comedy.
Just in time for their EW honors, this week saw FunnyOrDie
premiering a new R-Rated clip,
"Green Team,"
starring Ferrell, McKay and John C. Reilly.
No Pre-Historic Plot or Owen Wilson for Jack Black's Year
One
by Rick Duran
During an MTV interview promoting Margot at the Wedding, Jack Black squashed a few longstanding rumors about his upcoming Apatow production, The Year One.
Despite earlier reports that the yesteryear comedy would feature Owen Wilson as a slacker caveman, Black revealed that both the plot line and the "Darjeeling Limited" star will be absent to filmgoers. "[Wilson] is a producer," Black explained. "It's not prehistoric, it's just pre-Christ. It's like an old, biblical tale, Cain and Abel-type stuff. ... It's very funny. Harold Ramis and Michael Cera are very talented, and I'm excited to work with those guys."
Jack goes on to describe the film as, "kind of like those old Monty Python movies, like 'The Meaning of Life' or 'Life of Brian,' a funny look at biblical tales." Year One is set to start production in early January under the direction of comedy legend Harold Ramis, and is currently set for a June 19, 2009 release date.
Be Kind Rewind site debuts
by Rick Duran
Finally, in other Jack Black news, the website for his film Be Kind Rewind has just premiered. Head on over to BeKindMovie.com for your first glimpse into strange world of Jack's next movie, which doesn't hit theaters until January 25th, 2008. Be sure to check out the site's Swede Yourself feature, which allows users to insert their faces on video covers for films including Elf and Wedding Crashers (similar to the "Crash the Trailer" promotion used two years ago for Crashers.)
First Image of Jack Black in Walk Hard
by Adam Stevenson
I just went to the Cox Rox Official Site, not the Fan Site, and has been updated with downloads, clips, and soundboard which is coming soon. One of the wallpapers that are available has The Beatles in it revealing what Jack Black's Paul McCartney looks like!
Also available is a hilarious red-band trailer that contains an amazing sound-bite: "All you care about is fruit and touching yourself. Well, fuck you!" Walk Hard has been Rated R for "Sexual Content, Graphic Nudity, Drug Use, and Language."
Walk Hard is a Parody, Folks
By Drew Hunt
I went and saw Dan In Real Life tonight, and at Regal cinemas they show like, a bunch of different short info spots about upcoming movies where they interview the cast, the directors or writers, and crew, etc.., and they had one with Walk Hard.
In the interviews they were talking about Dewey Cox as if he were a real person. John C. Reily said something along the lines of "That's how I was so easily cast as Dewey, because so many people say I look just like him. If you put two photos of us next too each other, you wouldn't...it'd be hard to...you'd think "Wow, that's the same photo." But it's not. So that's cool" and they had Judd Apatow talking about the "legend of Cox", and they had interviews with Jackson Browne and Eddie Vedder and Ghostface Killah about how influenced they were by him, and so forth.
Anyway, after it ended and they moved on to the next movie, a young couple sitting behind us were speculating on whether or not there was a real Dewey Cox. The girl was like "Cause I've never heard of him, why would they make that kind of movie about a non-famous person" and the guy said "No, I'm pretty sure my dad has some of his records. Yeah, I'm positive that he's real, I remember listening to him." In the end, they decided that Dewey was indeed real, and when they got home they would Google him.
My friends and I laughed. A lot.
Podcast #158: Silent Night with Fred Claus
Vince Vaughn's holiday comedy is the focus, as we discuss the film and hear from some Vince fans too. Also on track is the poignant track from the film, "Silent Night" by Sinead O'Connor. We also have the clip from Vince talking about The Frat Pack on Mike and Mike in the Morning.
We debut a new feature in conjunction with our Netflix affiliation. Our video of the week if Walk the Line, the Johnny Cash biopic that is the basis for Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story.
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Jack Black on The Simpsons Tonight
by Adam Stevenson
Jack Black will be lending his voice on The Simpsons tonight on FOX. Ben Stiller of course lent his voice on the animated sitcom a few back. And don't forget that Frat Pack friend Hank Azaria is one of stars. Black has done vocal work in movies such as Ice Age, Shark Tale, and the upcoming Kung Fu Panda.
Simpsons-ized Frat Pack by Karen Pok
Happy Birthday Owen Wilson
The middle Wilson brother turns 39 today. Here's hoping this year goes a little smoothing than last. Happy birthday from all of us at The Tribute.
Frat Pack Charity Involvement
by Gina Groves
I imagine it's next to impossible for a celebrity to find time for all of the things he or she gets asked to do. I was curious, however, about the charity involvements of our Frat Pack. Part of me seems to think one gets more involved in charities when a bit older, although I know that's not necessarily true.
With a few exceptions, I don't see these guys that involved in charity work, but perhaps we just don't hear about it, other than events such as when Steve, Ben, Will, and Jack appeared at last year's "Night of Too Many Stars" autism benefit. That'd be a shame, because we certainly hear about all of the sensational, scandalous stuff, don't we? Not that anybody is obligated to do anything they don't want to do (and it's not any kind of contest) -- sometimes people can't or don't want to get involved, but you know what I mean. I would hope people would get involved in an organization if it meant something to them, not just for the publicity factor -- and that could be an entirely separate conversation.
Some of the involvements I found are below -- not sure if they're up to date or not. Does anybody know of any others? I realize it can be kind of a fine line, as they often just appear at an event, "support" a program or donate items for auction (like a walk-on film role, autographed items, etc.). Maybe these are "enough". I'm wondering though if any of them have organizations that are particularly near and dear to their heart for whatever reason and truly get involved.
Ben Stiller
Will Ferrell
Vince Vaughn
Luke Wilson
Owen Wilson
Jack Black
Steve Carell
Podcast #157: Wet Hot American Summer
An unusual episode that features a discussion of Wet Hot American Summer, a 2001 film that features a host of Frat Pack friends like Paul Rudd, Elizabeth Banks, Janeane Garofalo, Molly Shannon, Amy Poehler, and more. Rick Duran sits down with Kevin Crossman to discuss and we have some great listener calls as well.
This episode also features Ben Stiller's comments on the Writers Guild strike, and two killer tracks from John C. Reilly's upcoming film, Walk Hard.
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Tom Cruise Plays Fat, Bald Agent in Tropic Thunder
There's been a lot of speculation regarding Tom Cruise's rumored role as a movie studio boss in Ben Stiller's 2008 action-comedy, Tropic Thunder. Well, speculate no more because it's clear from this spy photo the kind of agent Cruise will be playing. Fat. Bald. With lots of hair. Not unlike characters Stiller created for The Ben Stiller Show, Heavy Weights, and Zoolander.
In related news, it has been reported that Katie Holmes and Tobey Maguire have cameos in Tropic Thunder as well.
However, not all is well in the Tropic world. While the producers seemed to deftly work around Owen Wilson's recent troubles by replacing him with another handsome Texan in Matthew McConaughey, it does appear the film is behind schedule. In fact, it's affecting Ben Stiller's other projects.
"There've also been rumors about 20th Century Fox's Night Of The Museum 2 which was supposed to start filming in April. But sources tell me that the problem isn't the script, which was rewritten just under the strike deadline wire by scribe Scott Frank over four "really solid" weeks. Rather I hear the pic can't start until its star, Ben Stiller, is done directing and starring in Tropic Thunder which is reportedly a month behind schedule. (Remember, Owen Wilson had to be recast, etc.) So now Night 2, which had been hoped for Christmas 2008, will be a Summer 2009 release."
(Deadline Hollywood Daily)
Hill and Segel in Go Hawaiian
Props to editor Rick Duran for finding this photo from Forgetting Sarah Marshall, coming to theatres next summer. As we've previously reported, this unusual romantic comedy from Judd Apatow productions features a host of familiar faces.
We'd heard the Hill was playing a hotel employee and this photo proves it (see the nametag).
Elizabeth Banks to make Porno with Seth Rogen
Are y'all ready to geek out yet? Because this is a match made in comedy geek heaven.
Seth Rogen has inked to play the titular Zack in writer-director Kevin Smith's Zack & Miri Make a Porno for the Weinstein Co. and Dimension Films. Elizabeth Banks will star opposite Rogen as Miri. Film reunites the pair, who appeared together in "The 40-Year-Old Virgin." Scott Mosier is producing. Shooting is scheduled to begin in January in Pittsburgh.
Story revolves around two lifelong platonic friends who are deep in debt and enlist the help of their friends to make a porn pic for some quick cash. But Zack and Miri realize that they may have more feelings for each other than they previously thought.
"It sounds deceptively straightforward with the title, but it's a little more complicated than that," says Smith, who acknowledges the topic is an eyebrow-raiser. "It's very much a love story," Smith says. "Zack and Miri just want to make a good old-fashioned dirty movie."
Smith also wrote about Rogen on his message board, "Huge score, to say the least. Dude had his pick of every comedy in town, and he chose us. Dude could've even generated his own flick, and he chose us. I feel like Cinderella."
Kevin Smith's ensemble of actors have been a tight bunch, and are only peripherally related to The Frat Pack. However, there has been some crossover, such as Will Ferrell's supporting turn in Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back.
Rogen is more clearly identified with Judd Apatow's "Apt Pack" and Banks is familiar to fans of David Wain and The State crew (Wet Hot American Summer, et. al.). She is currently costarring with Vince Vaughn in Fred Claus and filming Little Big Men with Paul Rudd.
Abso-Frickin-Credible!
Wow. This poster for Steve Carell's 2008 summer tentpole looks amazing. The concept works great for the premise of the film and costar Anne Hathway's face and hair look gorgeous. The gun and outfits have a subtle reference to the film's 1960s roots.
Another Walk Hard "For Your Consideration" Ad
From the cover of yesterday's Daily Variety.
Ben Stiller Pickets for Writers
Screen Actors Guild (SAG) member Ben Stiller joins members of the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and others on the picket line in front of Universal Studios and Universal City theme park in Universal City, Calif., earlier today.
EW's Entertainer of the Year poll
by Rick Duran
Have you seen the choices? Not a single Fratter, except for Steve Carell (as part of The Office cast.) The only other Frat Pack-related choice are Judd Apatow (my pick) and Pearl McKay.
Steve Carell Oscar Campaign
I guess some might have accused our reviewer Adam Stevenson of being a "homer" with this Dan in Real Life review where he said that "Steve Carell has Oscar all over him." Well, I'm pleased to report we're not the only outfit saying that.
EW's PopWatch blog has a nice piece where Michael Slezak says he cried during the emotional "Let My Love Open the Door" sequence. He also writes, "the whole movie spins around Carell's inspired performance as a man who is going quietly nuts because the universe has decided to toy with him. If that's not worthy of a little Oscar love, then what the heck is?"
Check Out Luke Wilson in You Kill Me
by Gina Groves
I watched You Kill Me this afternoon. I wasn't expecting much -- couldn't decide for the longest time if I thought it would be something I'd like or not. I actually thought it was pretty good. I haven't really seen Ben Kingsley in much except House of Sand and Fog, which I liked -- although this film is quite different than that. And the only real reason I rented You Kill Me is because Luke is in it. I thought the story was a bit more original or different than lots of other things out there. I didn't realize Bill Pullman was in it too, so that was a bonus for me, also Philip Baker Hall.
I thought Luke did a great job, and I enjoyed his character -- nice guy, normal, level-headed, slight sense of humor but not overly comical. He can really hold his own in more serious roles in my opinion. There were several places I had a good chuckle -- the cookie scene at the AA meeting, the scene where Luke and Ben are in the cafe trying to determine if Luke will be his sponsor, etc. It's worth the rental in my opinion.
Walk Hard Music Video and Clips
It's looking more and more that Christmas is coming early... four days early. Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story opens on December 21st and so far is exceeding high expectations. Here's the music video, along with a link to another song and scene.
Details on the Soundtrack - coming December 4th
Fred Claus Review:
Fred Claus is on track for a $20 million opening weekend, another disappointing box office performance for a Frat Pack star in 2007. But, how is the movie? Here are some of the highlights of our review.
Steve Carell is Poster-Child for Writers Strike
The new cover of Entertainment Weekly features Steve alongside Katherine Heigl and Conan O'Brien in a feature article about the strike by the Writer's Guild of America. Carell has long been involved in the writing process, having cowritten The 40 Year-Old Virgin and penning several episodes of The Office (including last night's excellent "Survivor Man" episode). And Carell was one of the first actors to "call in sick."
Apatow Productions Mocks Award Campaigns
Well, I guess you can kiss those Oscar hopes for John C. Reilly goodbye. This is the "for your consideration" ad that's running on the cover of the Hollywood Reporter today. In addition to provacatively having fun with the campaign process, the ad is a reference to an infamous photo of Johnny Cash giving the finger.
Of course, while this ad probably won't play with the Hollywood old-timers who make up many of the members of the actors branch, Sony is still pushing the film in the music categories and certainly raises the profile of the film with the Golden Globes crowd which is always a bit anti-establishment. Who doesn't want to see a little Cox on Globes or Oscar night, eh?
Video Podcast #3: Fred Claus Snow Globes
The Frat Pack Tribute visited Sunvalley Mall in Concord, CA to see the Fred Claus Snow Globe exhibit. There was fun for the whole family as we played in the snow and got ready for Vince Vaughn's holiday comedy.
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Learn more about the Fred Claus Snow Globe Exhibit
Vince Vaughn Talks Frat Pack
Vince appeared on ESPN radio's Mike and Mike show today to promote Fred Claus, and was asked about the Frat Pack. His response:
"You know, its nice to make movies with people you get along with and find funny and that kind of stuff. I've done a couple things with Will and I find him really funny, and of course Owen, I love a lot, he's a great actor, a great writer, very funny. I think the net has kind of expanded in that I don't think I've done something with Steve Carrel, although I would like to, I think Steves talented (Ed. note: Vince shared several scenes with Steve in Anchorman). But I think there was a time when things were kind of crossing over. Stiller was producing a lot of movies and putting a lot of different people in those films. And then people started going out and doing things on their own, and friendships were made so people sort of asked each other to do stuff. I like those guys, I like their films and stuff. It's not a comedy mafia as its presented, its more sometimes your paths crossing and you do stuff together."
Also, asked to comment on keeping his composure during a hilarious scene:
"You try to get so committed to the circumstances, that you don't break, however sometimes it does happen. I've had times with Favreau, like when we were making Made, where we just couldn't stop laughing. And once you go to that place, its death, because it's very hard to return from. And me and Will had that a little bit on Old School a couple times as well. You try not to go there because once you open the floodgates it's hard to recover."
Overall, it was a great interview. Vince talked about his friendship with former Notre Dame QB Brady Quinn, how awkward the dinner table scene was in Wedding Crashers, and why doing a sports movie is tough after Dodgeball. Thanks to Tom and Joe for the reports on this.
Vince Vaughn and Paul Giamatti Unscripted
This is a great interview from our friends at AOL Moviefone.
Walk Hard Update
Some cool updates for the upcoming John C. Reilly laughfest. First-up, is a link to listen to the title track from the movie. A nice tune but not exactly the second coming of "Big Bottom" or "Stonehenge." I'm looking forward to "Let's Duet" ("You're blowing me... some kisses") or "(Mama) You Got To Love Your Negro Man."
Next up is a TV spot featuring Jason Schwartzman and Paul Rudd as Ringo Starr and John Lennon.
Ben Stiller Calls Tropic Thunder a "Funny Apocalypse Now"
Real life blog post over at MTV.com, with some choice quotes from Mr. Frat Pack.
“It’s about a bunch of movies stars, and a rapper/actor, who get cast in this Vietnam War movie and get sent over to Vietnam to make this film. [Their movie] is going over budget, and the director is freaking out because they’re not getting the reality [look] that they need. So he takes them off into the jungle, and the actors get stuck out in the jungle for real.”
“I play a guy named Rob Slolom, who is the executive in charge of the movie within the movie ‘Tropic Thunder,’” explained “Hot Rod” star Danny McBride, pointing to his mullet. “I get to rock this … so it should be a good time.”
“We also got to hang out in Kuai,” added Bill Hader. “[Our characters are] shooting a big budget Vietnam movie, and then they get embroiled in a real civil war! But they think that it’s just part of the movie.”
Added McBride: “Me and Bill then save the day.”
“Kind of,” Hader teased. “But not really.”
Asked about Tom Cruise appearing, Stiller stonewalled: “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Jack "Blonde"?
Wow. That's not Ricky Schroeder, but our favorite actor-turned-singer Jack Black!
He appeared recently at the premiere of Margot at the Wedding (which our own Mario Berengo reviewed a while back, giving the film ) looking quite trim and sporting the blonde 'do from his filming of Tropic Thunder. Wow, wow, wow. Amazing hair, Mr. Black!
Jables was even able to get Jennifer Jason Leigh to remind us that she is quite breathtaking when she's not frowning or crying (which is all we've seen of Jennifer for the better part of the last 15 years). We're big fans of Leigh's breakthrough role in Fast Times at Ridgemont High and she's done quality work since then. But Jenn needs to smile more. Sound reasonable?
Fred Claus L.A. Premiere Photos
"Christmas come early" for Vince Vaughn and the cast of Fred Claus at the L.A. premiere yesterday. Vince worked the crowd with his buddy Jon Favreau and costars from the movie.
Snow in L.A.
Elizabeth Banks and Rachel Weisz with Vince
Elizabeth Banks with Paul Giamatti
(Insert Swingers reference here)
Love this gorgeous shot of Banks and stunned fans. Simply beautiful!
Stay tuned to www.vince-vaughn.com for coverage of Monday's Fred Claus premiere in Chicago.
Steve Carell and Rainn Wilson Shut Down Production on The Office
by Rick Duran, Senior Editor
Production of The Office was shut down today, as Steve and Rainn did not cross the picket lines on the first day of the strike by the Writers Guild.
Actor Oscar Nunez of "The Office" said the show's star, Steve Carell, and co-star Rainn Wilson declined to come in to work. They have just one episode to film, he added.
"They should negotiate in good faith," Nunez said of the AMPTP. "In my opinion, the process hasn't started yet."
Nunez agreed with the strikers that one of the biggest issues at the table is the ability to watch complete episodes of their shows online, which generate advertising revenue.
"It's just a formula," Nunez said of determining the residuals from those episodes for writers, actors and others.
(Hollywood Reporter)
November 1, 2007
Podcast #156: Wendell Baker Meets the Sasquatch
Luke Wilson's The Wendell Baker Story is finally here! That's the lead story in our podcast as we catch up on goings on by Ben Stiller, Vince Vaughn, Jack Black, and Owen Wilson. Plus, feedback on Steve Carell's latest, Dan in Real Life, and lots of anticipation for Walk Hard starring John C. Reily.
The main event features Tenacious D's ode to "Sasquatch," as well as their featured track from Guitar Hero III, "The Metal." Also on board for our musical segment is a find from Karen Pok. It's a pop punk song by The Gametime called "Thanks for the Anchorman" (featuring clips from the movie).
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Robert Goulet Dies
Singer Robert Goulet passed away at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles
while awaiting a decision on whether he could receive a lung transplant. He
had been diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis.
Goulet is better known to many as a target for Will Ferrell's improvization skills, as shown in this video from SNL. And, sadly, you can't help but notice the cigarettes. We'll miss you, Bob.
Elizabeth
Banks Joins Paul Rudd for New Movie
The
Hollywood Reporter is reporting that Elizabeth Banks has joined Paul Rudd
and Seann William Scott (Old School) in Universal's untitled mentor
project that David Wain (The Ten) is directing. The project, which
was titled "Big Brothers" and "Little Big Men," follows
a pair of party-hearty energy-drink salesmen forced into the roles of big
brothers to fulfill a community-service obligation who end up bonding with
their assigned kids.
Banks is playing Rudd's girlfriend who persuades him to join the program. Wain, Rudd and Ken Marino wrote the script and the movie costars Christopher Mintz-Plasse ("McLovin'") according to other reports.
Banks is costarring in Vince Vaughn's upcoming holiday flick, Fred Claus.
We're big, big fans of her past work, so needless to say we're pretty pysched
about this project even though we aren't fans of Wain's earlier projects like
Wet Hot American Summer. Thankfully, we think Paul Rudd being onboard
as cowriter will help. His presence was certainly a highly of The
Ten, which we gave
this summer.
Wendell Baker Is Finally Here
I can't believe it. After over three years of waiting I have an actual, legitimate
copy of The Wendell Baker Story, written by Luke Wilson and directed
by Luke and Andrew Wilson. This long-awaited Wilson Brothers project costars
Owen Wilson who is billed as "the bad guy" in a trailer for the
movie. Will Ferrell appears in a small role as well.
Every fan of the Wilsons needs to go out and get this movie. You will not be disappointed!
Wendell
Baker was released on DVD today, and comes with some great extras. In
addition to the features shown below, there's a nice postcard insert written
by Wendell Baker himself (I bet you did not know this was based on a true
story.)
Frat Pack Friends Go All the Way in Baby Mama
We've got a spy report of the next great pregnancy comedy, Baby Mama.
The movie stars Tina Fey and Frat Pack Favorite Amy Poehler, along with Sigourney
Weaver, Dax Shepard, Steve Martin, Greg Kinnear and Romany Malco.
Some highlights:
Last
weekend I had the opportunity to attend an advanced screening of an upcoming
Tina Fey comedy called Baby Mama which has several Frat friendly
performances. The film was written by first time director Michael McCullers
who was a "Saturday Night Live" writer and also wrote two of the
Austin Powers films.Currently Universal is planning for an April 2008 release.
Dan Does Well in Theatres
Steve Carell's well-received romantic dramedy Dan in Real Life opened
to modest success this weekend. It grossed an estimated $12 million in just
over 1,900 theatres, a far better average than The Heartbreak Kid for
example. We'll have to see how well the movie holds up in subsequent weeks.
If you've seen the movie drop us a line by calling out podcast hotline 1-206-666-FRAT, sending email, or posting on our forums.
Big Releases Coming on Tuesday!
Just a reminder that the looooong awaited official DVD release of The Wendell
Baker Story is almost here. The Wilson Brothers project (featuring Will
Ferrell cameo) arrives in stores on Tuesday. Finally.
This charming film is a must-see!
Meanwhile, Tenacious D fans are looking forward to the release of Guitar Hero III, featuring The D's Pick of Destiny track "The Metal." For a preview, check this video of someone with much faster fingers than mine. Thanks to Jon West for the link to this amazing video.
The Frat Pack A to Z
We welcome our newest editorial board member, Gina Groves. To kick off her "official" capacity here at The Tribute, we present her list: Why I love the Frat Pack A to Z.
Promotional Items Score Points with Fans
There are lots of ways to promote a movie. We have two recent examples that take two divergent approaches: one traditional and one, well, not.
Amy Gilbert writes:
"The University of Oklahoma store was giving stuff away. A sales kid at the OU store gave them to me after I helped a customer - she rushed in asking for a "onesy" and in her state, couldn't explain what she was wanting. Anyway, he had no idea what she was talking about, so I directed her to the baby clothing on the opposite wall. He put the extra items in my bag and thanked me for helping out.
I used to live in Norman. This time of year, the entire town lives and breathes football. Probably the promoters thought it was a great place to drum up interest."
Of course, the ironic thing is that all this Comebacks promotional merchandise has October 26 as the release date, rather than October 19th which was the actual opening. It must be noted as well that while Fox Atomic did quite of bit of online advertising, I saw nary an ad in a local newspaper. Perhaps that affected the opening weekend box office, you think?
Meanwhile, the creative folks at Columbia Tristar Marketing are kicking things up a notch with a creative way to promote Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story. Here are some fine photos of the merchandise and our Tribute canine model, Lucky. Thanks to Laura Telles for the photos. Learn more at www.rocklikecox.com.
Owen Wilson Interview with Wes Anderson Now Available
The discussion is limited to The Darjeeling Limited, so those looking for deep insight into Owen's pysche will be disappointed. Nontheless, there are some interesting and frankly touching moments in the video from MySpace.
"I want us to become brothers like we used to be.
I really like that line and it really means a lot to me"
Vince Vaughn Comedy Bit from The World Series
Another View of The Comebacks
by Kevin Crossman, Senior Editor
Our Los Angeles editor Rick Duran was pretty harsh with his review of David Koechner's sports-spoof, The Comebacks. Well, I had a chance to catch the movie myself and would like to present an alternative view. Now, perhaps I was in the mood to check my mind at the door, but I laughed consistently throughout The Comebacks. The jokes were stupid, sure, but I felt it was pretty funny nonetheless. And just to prove how funny it seemed, I had seen Ben Stiller's The Heartbreak Kid just prior to viewing The Comebacks and laughed quite a bit less (though The Heartbreak Kid was in other ways a much better movie).
David Koecher's performance is certainly worth the price of admission and I was impressed by some of the supporting players such as Brooke Nevin and Jermaine Williams ("iPod"). I also liked the ridiculous musical segments and most (but not all) of the parody moments. The Comebacks isn't the "thinking man's sport comedy" but I enjoyed it a lot. A strong based on consistent laughter.
Full Review of Dan in Real Life
Adam Stevenson's full review of Steve Carell's star film is now up. Among the highlights:
Most people would think that Carell in a dramatic state would be awkward or bad for this Emmy Nominated star. From seeing him in roles in The 40-Year-Old Virgin and NBC’s The Office, Carell shows a whole new side to his outstanding acting ability.Owen Wilson Gives First Interview to Wes Anderson
Owen Wilson has given his first interview since his suicide attempt – to his longtime friend, director Wes Anderson.
In the interview, to be posted online Friday at midnight, Wilson talks with the director of his latest film, The Darjeeling Limited, as part of the MySpace Artist on Artist series, according to USA Today.
Wilson has been mum about the night when cops were called to his home for what a police report labeled an "attempt suicide" in August.
At the time, Wilson asked for privacy with a statement saying, "I respectfully ask that the media allow me to receive care and heal in private during this difficult time."
There is no word on whether Wilson will address his recent troubles.
In September, at the Venice Film Festival, Anderson said that his friend was "doing well." He added: "When he's ready he's going to speak for himself much better than anyone else could. He has a very good way with words."
Podcast #155: The Comebacks Interview Part Two
The Frat Pack Tribute had a chance to sit down with costars Melora Hardin, Matthew Lawrence, and Brooke Nevin for a roundtable discussion about The Comebacks. Learn more about a sensual scene between Nevin and Lawrence, and details about Melora's role on The Office as well.
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Steve Carell as "Oscar written all over him"
That's the headline from our editor Adam Stevenson who caught a sneak-preview of Dan in Real Life. Adam's rating for the film is , good news who are eagerly waiting for Steve Carell's latest film project. We'll have Adam's full review later in the week.
"Fred Claus Naughty or Nice Giveaway" Now Open
A nice promotional site that is, as they say, giving away valuable prizes in exchange for marketing info for TimeWarner Cable. Lots of stuff here including some nice games and clips from the movie.
I'm getting jacked up just thinking about it!
Vince Vaughn and Justin Long Mug for Cameras
Shots from the CMJ Film Festival in New York City, October 19.
Vince has been going around the country doing screenings of his Wild West Comedy Show film, coming to theatres next spring and costarring Justin Long andJon Favreau. The strangest of these was reported on by our friends at Vince-Vaugn.com who noted that in Knoxville the locals were impressed by Vince's pal Peter Billingsley (A Christmas Story) but had no idea who Vince was. Apparently, the folks in Knoxville don't get out much.
Is Frat Pack Comedy Infectious?
by Rick Duran, Senior Editor
One of new forum regulars posted this question.
"Do you find since you've been exposed to and watching the Frat Pack and their films that your own sense of humor and wit have improved? Do you think you're a funnier person than you used to be? Do you think you're getting even more funny? It sort of -- for me -- is like when you read a lot and become more -- er -- "well read". Or travel. Or work with someone who is brilliant and that rubs off on you. Do you think constantly hearing the jokes, one-liners, seeing the scenes, their personalities, etc. has that kind of a difference? Do you think it also makes these guys better and better and better since they continuously work together?
It has -- a bit -- for me (in some respect -- not sure exactly how). Maybe it puts you in a better mood, and so you make more "funnies" and make people smile more -- I don't know. Maybe -- like Koechner mentions in the podcast -- you know more about "what's funny". Maybe you then use some of that stuff more."
I've definitely had a bigger appreciation and increased understanding of comedy since the rise of the Pack. Growing up, I was obsessed with Jim Carrey, until the "Grinch"-section of his career. Never paid too much attention to Sandler, the American Pie series or the Austin Powers movies. Mind you, I "liked" them, but there wasn't much of a connection for me.
And then came Zoolander and Tenacious D
I saw Zoolander right at the beginning of my freshman year in college. To this day, that movie (and Anchorman) remains the time I've laughed hardest in a theater. Around that time I went through my Kevin Smith phase, so Will Ferrell (fresh from Jay & Silent Bob) was very much on my radar. Around that time, the Tenacious D album came out (I'd seen them a year earlier open for the Foo Fighters.) I was very into Jack Black, and was one of the few people that thought he was great in Shallow Hal. I hated Saving Silverman though. I went to see Orange County, and there was the Ben cameo. And shortly after that, he was in Jack's music video.
A year later, Old School comes out and my mind immediately makes the connection to Zoolander. At the time, I remember thinking "Owen traded for Luke Wilson." The movie was great and I really loved Ferrell. So I did what any fan would do: Watch everything he was in. I saw all three SNL movies: Roxbury, Ladies Man & Superstar. And hated them all. A lot like my reaction to Saving Silverman, I didn't like the movies before these guys were big stars. There was something about the quality & writing that just didn't seem right. Granted, Will starred in & wrote Roxbury, but it just wasn't the same and it bugged me.
Around this time, I started reading JoBlo.com and saw an article about Jack & Ben filming a movie called Envy. I was fuckin' psyched! It was scheduled for Summer 2003, and that's all I was looking forward to. And then it got delayed. Three times. Pushed back until after School of Rock, which was filmed AFTER Envy.
Early 2004 comes around. Elf and School of Rock were huge at the end of 2003. Jack & Will did their song at the Oscars, my mind immediately makes the connection that these guys hang with Ben Stiller. The trailers for Starsky and Dodgeball roll out. Immediately, I make the connection of both being the combo of Old School + Zoolander. Both were good, not great, but I was excited about comedy again thanks to this new group. Envy finally rolls around and it was the biggest disappointment I've had at the movies. For some reason, quality wasn't just based on putting these actors together. But that same summer, Anchorman and Dodgeball came out and were great (especially Anchorman.)
By this time, the failure of Envy became clear: These films tend to be funnier when the actors are in control, or at least a filmmaker they were probably friends with.
This is why Apatow's current crop is so exciting. All these films are under the watchful eye of the same person. He test screens and tweaks every movie he's involved with, and has friendships with all these actors (from Packers Ferrell, Wilson and Carell to newcomers Rogen, Hill and Segel.) In other words, we trust him. Sure, he'll eventually fumble (that Attorneys at Raw idea sounds awful), but at least its all from the same factory. There's no outsiders like the Envy team. And we trust Judd because of his comedy factory.
Comedy is infectious though. Zoolander and Tenacious D were my gateway drug to a genre I hadn't paid close attention to. However, something like IMDB is very key to the obsession. IMDB helped me make the connections to films I liked (i.e.: Lorne Michaels' films for Ferrell sucked, Todd Phillips' were better for him.)
The Frat Pack Tribute Review of The Comebacks
Well, our Senior Editor Rick Duran "took one for the team" apparently. That is, if Rick's one star review of The Comebacks is any indication. Some soundbites are shown below, along with a link to the full review, but let us summarize: While Anchorman's David Koechner does an admirable job in his first starring role, the film isn't very funny.
The Comebacks is the latest spoof film, in the same fashion as Epic Movie, Date Movie and the Scary Movie series, this time tackling sports movie genre. Truth be told, it’s a marketing mystery as to why it was not titled Sports Movie. Have you seen The Comebacks? Drop us a line or call our podcast hotline (206-666-FRAT) with your thoughts. Or join us in our discussion forum.
The Frat Pack Tribute Interview with The Comebacks' David Koechner and Carl Weathers
By Rick Duran, Senior Editor
David Koechner is best known to fans of this site as Champ Kind from Anchorman and Todd Packer on The Office (Editor’s note: True Frat Pack fans also love his deleted scene from the Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny DVD.) With roles in Talladega Nights, The 40 Year-Old Virgin, Thank You For Smoking, Snakes on a Plane, and his own short-lived TV series The Naked Trucker and T-Bones Show, in addition upcoming roles in Semi-Pro, Walk Hard and Get Smart, it was only a matter of time before Koechner was given a shot at a starring role. In The Comebacks, Koechner plays a bumbling coach blindly guiding his new football team to victory. Veteran actor and former pro-football player Carl Weathers (Rocky, Predator, Happy Gilmore) plays the rival coach in this spoof of nearly every recent sports film.
The Comebacks opens this Friday in theatres nationwide.
The Frat Pack Tribute had a chance to sit down with both actors for a roundtable discussion about The Comebacks, in addition to other topics such as the soon-to-be-filmed The Goods: The Don Ready Story (starring Jeremy Piven, produced by Will Ferrell and Adam McKay), the return of Todd Packer to The Office, athlete worship and Koechner’s recent shoulder surgery, as he showed up for this interview with his left arm in a sling.
Ask Vince Vaughn a Question
Moviefone is looking for fans to submit questions to Vince Vaughn and Paul Giamatti for an upcoming episode of Unscripted. Vince and Paul are promoting their upcoming holiday comedy, Fred Claus.
If you haven't seen them before, Unscripted's are these really cool interviews where stars of a particular movie interview one another and answer questions sent in by fans.
The deadline for questions is October 24th
Judd Apatow Joins FunnyorDie.com
Judd Apatow (Knocked Up, Superbad) is joining his Anchorman and Talladega Nights cohorts on FunnyorDie.com. Check the hilarious announcement video. Thanks to Taylor Kidd for the heads-up on this breaking story.
Jackie Moon in South Park
Two incredible designs by our own Karen Pok, inspired by Will Ferrell's forthcoming Semi-Pro. Although the "teaser" trailer version is likely to be most popular on the streets, I must admit the uniform version is an intriquitely detailed beauty.
See more Frat Pack in South Park designs
Podcast #153: Ben Stiller's Heartbreak
We catch up on tons of Frat Pack news including coverage from several events in New York City, plus we highlight the website from Will Ferrell's new Semi-Pro website and 1-800-TROPICS hotline. The main event is a discussion of Ben Stiller's new movie, The Heartbreak Kid.
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HBO Films Director's Dialogue with Wes Anderson
by Jenny Spaulding
This sold out event took place and a newly opened facility called TheTimesCenter, which is part of The New York Times Building and headquarters. Before the talk began, I noticed director Peter Bogdanovich was in the audience. This amused me because I had also spotted Mr. Bogdanovich at a Film Society screening of Noah Baumbach's Kicking and Screaming two years ago. At the time I couldn't place their connection and thought it was unusual that a seasoned director like him would be hanging out with Noah (who was also there along with his cast.) Then I remembered that Mr. Bogdanovich had a role in Noah's second film, Mr. Jealousy. And further, now I remember that Polly Platt who is Bogdanovich's ex-wife was a producer on Bottle Rocket. Ahh, it all ties together eventually!
During the event, Anderson discusses the making of the seminal Wilson Brothers film, Bottle Rocket.
He also talks about casting Bill Murray in The Darjeeling Limited, Rushmore, and even Bottle Rocket!
Review: Before the Devil Knows You're Dead ()
by Mario Bernengo
From the 45th New York Film Festival
The Frat Pack Tribute's coverage of the 2007 New York Film Festival continues as we now turn our attention to Frat Pack friend Philip Seymour Hoffman's turn in Sidney Lumet's heist melodrama Before the Devil Knows You're Dead, co-starring Ethan Hawke, Marisa Tomei, and Albert Finney, among others. Distributed by the Frat Pack-befriended company THINKFilm (The Wendell Baker Story, The Ten etc), the film is slated for an October 26 theatrical release and will be rated R.
Though it's written all over it, the R-rating was mainly "for a scene of strong graphic sexuality." Sure enough, as soon as the lights go out, before you get a chance to get your bearings, a stark naked Philip Seymour Hoffman is, very strongly and very graphically, sexualizing Marisa Tomei (who spends a good part of her scenes in the nude, by the way). While it's, I don't want to say "refreshing", but you get the idea, to see something other than fake Hollywood butt doubles up on that all too huge screen, I think the MPAA warning should read something like, "You will see Philip Seymour Hoffman butt naked." You know, something a little more specific like that.
October 11, 2007
Review: The Heartbreak Kid
Drew Hunt is back with an incredible review of The Heartbreak Kid (). Here are some highlights.
There's Something About Mary is a landmark film in many respects: it cemented its star, Ben Stiller, as a comedic force to be reckoned with; it launched its young filmmakers into the limelight, shining a bright future upon them; and, most importantly, it had a sperm gag. A hilarious, historical sperm gag. October 9, 2007
Comedy Blockbuster Tuesday
Variety is reporting that Universal has greenlit the $100 million production of Land of the Lost, starring Will Ferrell. Universal is still smarting from the Evan Almighty budget fiasco and downsized the Lost budget by $25 million before making the committment. Shooting will start in March for an expected 2009 summer tentpole release.
Brad Silberling will helm the bigscreen adaptation of Sid & Marty Krofft's 1970's children's show of the same name. Jimmy Miller is producing along with the Kroffts. The adaptation by Chris Henchy and Dennis McNicholas revolves around a disgraced paleontologist, his assistant and a macho tour guide who find themselves in a strange world inhabited by dinosaurs, monkey people and reptilian Sleestaks.
It's unclear if Ferrell will play the paleontologist or the macho tour guide. Previous rumors had tapped Jack Black for a role in this project.
Speaking of comedy tentpoles from Universal, a reminder that Steve Carell's summer blockbuster Evan Almighty is in stores today. If you missed the film in theatres definitely check out the film our reviewer Brandon Angelilli gushed: "I loved this film and I think many others will too."
October 8, 2007
Semi-Pro Site Goes Live
Thanks to our tipster Mike Markus for pointing us towards the official website for the upcoming Will Ferrell basketball comedy. Plus, the 1-800-TROPICS hotline seems to be working now. Give it a call!
Read about our Semi-Pro Set Visit
Box Office Heartbreak
by Rick Duran, Senior Editor
In a year when Seth Rogen and Jonah Hill are opening R-Rated comedies above $30 million, Ben Stiller's raunchy Heartbreak Kid looked to have no problem topping that. Yet in one of the most disappointing debuts of the year, Heartbreak opened to just over $14 million. Rather than matching $30 million+ opening numbers similar to Blades of Glory, Evan Almighty, Knocked Up and Superbad, Heartbreak's debut was only $400k more than the Dane Cook disaster Good Luck Chuck.
Heartbreak is Stiller's first film as the sole headliner in years (Night at the Museum's ad campaign prominently featured Robin Williams, Owen Wilson, and a T-Rex.) Looking at Ben's filmography, he's always co-headlined films with high profile co-stars like Robert DeNiro, Owen Wilson, Jennifer Aniston, Jack Black, Drew Barrymore, Cameron Diaz and Vince Vaughn. Thus, a Ben Stiller solo film with newcomers like Malin Ackerman, Michelle Monaghan and Rob Corddry is largely uncharted territory for a studio. By comparison, Stiller's next outing Tropic Thunder is crowded with big names like Robert Downey Jr, Jack Black and Matthew McConaughey, in addition to rising stars like Bill Hader and Jay Baruchel.
With Vince Vaughn's Fred Claus as this fall's only sure comedy hit, the shocking Heartbreak Kid numbers are warning signs for Dan in Real Life and Walk Hard, as Steve Carell and John C. Reilly are sketchy in terms of opening weekend drawing power. However, despite generally disappointing reviews, The Heartbreak Kid seemed heavily advertised and looked like a no-brainer hit.
Perhaps Dreamworks should've taken a page out of Judd Apatow's playbook and released R-Rated YouTube clips months before opening weekend. The studio can't even blame October as rough territory to open comedies because The Rock's Game Plan family comedy is in its 2nd week at the top of the box office. And in the Year of Apatow/Rogen, you also can't say it's impossible to open an R-Rated comedy. And while it's no longer summer, Fall 2006 showed with Borat that you can have an R-Rated comedy blockbuster in the fall.
Bottom line: what went wrong with the marketing plan? Ben Stiller is one of the top comedy stars in the world!
Seth Rogen and Judd Apatow at the New Yorker Festival
Big props to our newest editorial board member Jenny Spaulding for another great report. You can read the full report on the session held yesterday at the New Yorker Festival. Here are some highlights:
They discussed The 40 Year Old Virgin. Seth had been in Judd's office when he got the news the film had been given the go ahead and took advantage of the moment and convinced him to cast him, figuring he'd agree to anything at the time. They said at first Steve Carell had been skeptical of how dirty the film was and so Seth did a pass at the script making it PG-13 so Steve could see how lame it was.Another Margot at the Wedding Reaction
After yesterday's review and press conference coverage from Mario Bernengo, we have a second reaction from Jenny Spaulding.
I also was at the premiere tonight. I think I need to digest the film a little more before I completely make my mind up about it. As Mario said, this is far from typical Frat Pack fare. I will say that I'm a huge fan of Noah Baumbach (my autographed copy of The Squid and the Whale script is a prized possession) and that Jack Black is my least favorite Frat Packer. I think a little of him goes a long way.
It was interesting tonight that Noah seemed a bit defensive when asked to discuss the choice of casting Jack. Perhaps it's my bias, but I do think he was out of place in a movie of this sort and that he doesn't yet have a subtle performance range of someone like Steve Carell or Will Ferrell.
I think my main concern with the film is that it's difficult to watch in that Nicole Kidman's Margot is (mostly) strikes me as so unlikeable. But while viewing the film I kept thinking about Jeff Daniel's character in The Squid and the Whale and how he possessed many of the same unflattering qualities and bad parenting that Margot does. But for some reason I still liked Daniel's character a lot, even when he was being a complete ass, so maybe I'm reacting to the idea that women/mothers are held to a different standard of parenting than men are.
It's definitely a well crafted movie and I liked its naturalism. Jennifer Jason Leigh's performance is especially unforced and effortless. Kidman was brave to tackle such a complex character after a string of box office disappointments.
I'm certainly looking forward to hearing more critics' reactions and analysis to the movie.
October 7, 2007
Steve Carell's Quintessential Name for Judd Apatow's Branch of the Frat Pack
The Back Pack? The Apatow Crew or Apatow Association? Sons of Apatow? Well, there's a new nickname in town and I think this one's gonna stick. The Apt Pack. Wish we could take credit for this so obvious moniker. But, instead it comes directly from a member of the crew, Steve Carell.
But it wasn't until Virgin—Judd Apatow's don't-touch-me-there romp that raked in $110 million at the box office—that he attained bankability status and established the supremacy of the Apatow branch of the Frat Pack. "The Apt Pack," says Carell. "I just coined that." ("Fertile Mind," Men's Vogue)
Apatow is in the center of what seems like a million projects these days. Besides the incredible success of Knocked Up (writer/director) and Superbad (producer), Apatow has a slew of upcoming movies including John C. Reilly's musical parody (and cameo filled) Walk Hard (writer/producer), Drillbit Taylor (producer) with Owen Wilson, Forgetting Sarah Marshall (producer) with Jason Segel, Rogen and Franco in Pineapple Express (writer/producer), and Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly in Step Brothers (producer).
Podcast #152: Margot at the Wedding Press Conference
Listen to the complete press conference from the New York Film Festival, featuring Nicole Kidman, Jennifer Jason Leigh, John Turturro, and director Noah Baumbach. Costar Jack Black wasn't present but our Frat Pack Tribute correspondent Mario Bernengo did ask about how Jack was cast in the movie.
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Mario writes, "I love this one, I took it afterward, kind of on the fly. Nicole Kidman got the star treatment like no one else, even causing a delay the screening, and I kind of felt sorry for her, living up to that image of her. This pic catches her off guard, and I love that look between her and Jennifer."
The Fan Reaction to The Heartbreak Kid
Some early reaction to Ben Stiller's new movie. Plus, check out the foreign poster for the movie.
Reminder: Seth Rogen on SNL Tonight
Rogen will be hosting Saturday Night Live tonight. Most fans are looking forward to potential sketches with Superbad costar and SNL cast member Bill Hader.
Owen Wilson Appears at Los Angeles Premiere of Darjeeling Limited
Good news for all Owen's fan. He skipped the red carpet but did appear onstage at the Los Angeles premiere of The Darjeeling Limited. Before the movie started, director Wes Anderson introduced Wilson, his longtime friend and collaborator, saying, "I've never made a movie without him and I hope I never have to."
Adrien Brody, Owen Wilson, Roman Coppola, Jason Schwartzman, Natalie Portman
Podcast #151: Will Ferrell... "Ashamed?"
We're gearing up for Ben Stiller's new movie, The Heartbreak Kid. We also discuss the incredible "teaser" for Will Ferrell's upcoming basketball comedy Semi-Pro. There's lots more Owen Wilson and Darjeeling Limited news, plus Golden Globe chances for Steve Carell. We have a listener related podcast of the week and a website of the week for a Vince Vaughn movie we guarantee you've never heard of.
Lots of listener feedback this week as we hear from Frat Pack fans in Sweden, Australia, and... Boston. Listener Gina comes through with some rants on her dedication subscribe to the podcast and to see Owen Wilson's new film. The fun concludes with a listener request for a Knocked Up song from an unexpected artist.
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Will Ferrell in Semi-Pro Teaser Trailer
That's Will on the soundtrack too! A very nice teaser trailer, and I like they way they're not hitting you over the head with a big, long trailer. Like Blades of Glory, too much early promotion will turn off audiences who don't need to be "sold" on Will Ferrell in a sports-comedy.
Check the Frat Pack Tribute's Semi-Pro preview including our set-visit.
Entertainment Weekly Features Incredible Set of Office Photos
Each of these is amazing in it's own way. We're partial to the one featuring Steve Carell and Melora Hardin (The Comebacks). And we do think Jenna Fischer (Walk Hard) and John Krasinski make a great looking couple. There are Frat Pack connections with Rainn Wilson (My Super-Ex Girlfriend), B.J. Novak (Knocked Up), and Mindy Kaling (The 40 Year-Old Virgin). Read the article at EW.com.
In related news, the Tribute's Kevin Crossman has guest-hosted again on the That's What She Said Podcast. Check the most recent episode: Episode # 28 -- "Fun Run, parts 1 & 2"
Poster Mania!
Check out these incredible posters for two highly anticipated releases.
First up is Vince Vaughn in Fred Claus. I'm a fan of the bright colors and the outrageous look on Vince's face, reminiscent of the scene from the trailer. We still have the bold red letters but at least the poster doesn't look like a Wedding Crashers clone like the earlier Fred posters. Learn more about Fred Claus.
Next up is an incredible poster for John C. Reilly's Christmas release, Walk Hard. While this poster clearly illustrates the parody aspect of the movie, it's clearly a cut above the usual Date Movie style posters. This shot is reminiscent of the famous photo of The Doors' Jim Morrison. I wonder if we'll have some more posters with further ground to hoe via parody. Learn more about Walk Hard.
Danny McBride Dishes Thunder Details
Who you say? Well, McBride is appearing in The Heartbreak Kid, Drillbit Taylor, and Pineapple Express. He's also got a plum role in Tropic Thunder, which just wrapped shooting in Hawaii. Thanks to Karen Pok for finding the article at MovieWeb.
Danny, what are you rocking the shaved mullet for?
Danny McBride: This is my look for Tropic Thunder. That's a movie that I am actually shooting with Ben Stiller right now. That's something that Ben is starring in, and directing. This hair is more on the pro-wrestler tip I think. This guy is the special effects guy in the movie. These are cornrows, actually.
Where you guys in Hawaii for that?
Danny McBride: Yeah, we were actually in Kauai for the last three months. I just got back yesterday. We wrapped up what we were shooting in Hawaii, and now we have a little bit of shooting left to do in Los Angeles. It was really cool to work with Ben in The Heartbreak Kid as an actor, and then see him come onto Tropic Thunder as a director. He is the lead in that as well, but he is also directing this huge epic. It has been pretty incredible to see him wear all those hats at once.
Did you get to work with Mathew McConaughey yet?
Danny McBride: We had one scene together. But I was in a helicopter when it happened. And that scene will of course be shot in Los Angeles. So, no, I haven't acted with him. But on the screen it will seem like I had a scene with him.
Ben Stiller Comments on Owen Wilson
Extra TV has some video where Ben is basically non-commital, but he did have this to say on Ellen on Friday.
Meanwhile, People is reporting that Ben's dad Jerry Stiller expressed concern for his son's best friend and said he was "surprised" to hear of Wilson's apparent suicide attempt – but he was sure that Wilson would "recover."
"I know that he'll put his life together," the elder Stiller, who also costarred with Wilson in 2001's Zoolander, told PEOPLE. He added that his son has been "very close to Owen for most of their careers," and that Ben had been an "advocate" in "intervention and all that stuff."
More The Darjeeling Limited Red Carpet Coverage
We got a couple more reports from The Darjeeling Limited premiere at the New York Film Festival.
Jenny Spauling writes:
"Opening Night at the New York Film Festival was great. The red carpet was exciting...saw Heather Graham, Molly Shannon, Willem Dafoe, Dr. Ruth, and filmmaker Michael Moore.
After showing the short "Hotel Chevalier" and some intros by the members of the Film Society, Wes Anderson took the stage and introduced the cast of "The Darjeeling Limited" including: Jason Schwartzman, Adrien Brody, Bill Murray, Angelica Huston, among others.
He also made a point to say something to the effect of he wished Owen could be with us."
Thanks for writing Jenny. If for no other reason than for us to post this photo:
Jenny also shot this window display at the Louis Vuitton store on 5th Avenue, featuring the luggage from Darjeeling.
Sharon Gruber was also in attendance. And while she may not think this is the greatest photo in the world of Wes Anderson, I think it says a lot about the chaos of a premiere event held in New York City.
Thanks to Jenny and Sharon for the reports. And be sure to read our review of The Darjeeling Limited.
Jason Schwartzman, Wes Anderson, Adrien Brody at the 45th New York Film Festival
Frat Pack Tribute Review: The Darjeeling Limited
Fresh from the press events at the New York Film Festival comes the review of the new Owen Wilson and Wes Anderson film, The Darjeeling Limited. Our reviewer Mario Bernengo has dug Wes Anderson's films in the past, but how about this one?
Podcast #150: The Darjeeling Limited Press Conference
Listen to the complete press conference from the New York Film Festival, featuring Wes Anderson, Jason Schwartzman, and Adriend Brody. Up for discussion is Hotel Chevalier, filming in India, and the approach to the film. Our correspondent Mario Bernengo even gets a question in.
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The Heartbreak Kid Premiere Photos
Celebrity attendance seemed light at the premiere in Los Angeles, but the Stiller clan was in full-force. The Heartbreak Kid opens next Friday. Thanks to Karen Pok and luciaorlando for the tips.
A Confident Ben Stiller
Wife Christine Taylor and Ben
Mr Smirk with Costars Malin Akerman and Michelle Monaghan
Ben's Parents Anne Meara and Jerry Stiller
The Stillers showing off their tans
Podcast #149: NYFF Day One
A quick report from our correspondent Mario Bernengo live from the New York Film Festival. Mario has some info about Wes Anderson and crew and offers tacit approval of The Darjeeling Limited. We also answer a listener question about Anne Hathaway and the Knocked Up DVD.
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Jason Bateman a Jester, Not a Fratter
It's always nice when a Frat Pack friend acknowledges their role. Bateman is promoting his new movie The Kingdom and was asked if he was in the Frat Pack:
"Oh God, no, no, no. That would be a dream, because they are the kings. I'll be a jester in their court every once in awhile, if they will have me. They are all doing great stuff and I'll buy a ticket to go see it, if the cast is filled up." (Hollywood.com)
Darjeeling Limited Prequel Hotel Chevalier Debuts
Not sure how much insight we'll get to Darjeeling, but as free downloads go this one seems worth your time. Lots of mystery around Jason Schwartzman's character that I hope will be addressed in the full-length film. The movie is free on iTunes.
Season Four of The Office Debuts Tonight
That's right! Steve Carell and gang from The Office are back tonight. For more Office-related news and views, head on over to That's What She Said, an Office podcast hosted by Matt Sommer. Our own Kevin Crossman has guest hosted the last couple episodes and will be joining Matt to discuss the season premiere episode, "Fun Run."
USA Today Covers Owen Wilson and Wes Anderson
Always nice when Susan Wloszczyna at USA Today (who coined "The Frat Pack") writes about our movie heroes. This time, Wloszczyna gets Wes Anderson to open up about Owen Wilson. She also write about the box office expectations for the new Owen Wilson movie, including some quotes from our own Kevin Crossman.
"There are two types of Owen Wilson fans," Crossman says. "The hardcore: We love him in everything, especially Wes Anderson films. There might be some extra incentive for them to go. And the casual buddy-comedy Owen fan: The Wedding Crashers crowd isn't flocking to Darjeeling anyway." (Movie stays on track despite Wilson's highly publicized troubles)It's Knocked Up DVD Day
Time to rush out to the stores! Also check the Official Website for launch parties at bars in many cities tonight!
Podcast #148: Up Close and Personal with Knocked Up
We close the Knocked Up Prize Pack Contest with several listener calls, including Adam "Michael Cera" Steveson and Jack Gregson who calls from the U.K. with an up-close and personal experience with Apatow and Rogen.
We have exclusive news about Jack Black's Ye Olde Times, plus Ben Stiller news and more. Stay tuned at the end of the episode for some Owen Wilson news as well. Look for our New York Film Fest coverge later this week.
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Knocked Up Prize Pack Giveaway Winner
Congrats to Nick Kinsley who was the winner of our Knocked Up Prize Pack giveaway. Thanks to Universal, Nick wins the single disc unrated edition DVD, a dart board, bumper stickers and door hangers.
National Knocked Up Night Details Emerge
Universal says that bars around the country will be having Knocked Up events on the night of September 25th, and low and behold some listings are starting to emerge on the official website. Check the bars in your area.
“Have a ‘Knocked Up’ Getaway” sweepstakes for one lucky winner and a guest to win a grand prize, three-day, two-night stay at the Hooters Casino Hotel including airfare for two, dinner at Dan Marino’s Fine Food & Spirits, tickets to see comedian Bobby Slayton, $200 spending money and an array of additional Knocked Up merchandise.
In a first-of-its-kind collaboration, Hooters Casino Hotel and Universal Studios Home Entertainment are inviting comedy fans to celebrate “National Knocked Up Night” on September 25th, the official DVD release date of the hilarious comedy hit Knocked Up and the unofficial excuse to celebrate in ways left strictly to the imagination.
Knocked Up fans in Las Vegas will definitely be interested in the activities at the Hooters Casino Hotel where additional offerings for guests will include uproarious Knocked Up-branded merchandise including limited-edition dartboard games, over-the-top party favors and more. Hooters guests will also enjoy a special signature cocktail called “The Knocked Up Martini,” that will be served at Pete & Shorty’s, Hooters Restaurant and the Lobby Bar for only $6.95.
There are some Restricted Film Clips available on the official site.
Lastly, a reminder that the Knocked Up Babymaker is still available. Honestly, we never thought this quite lived up to the promise of it's premise. Or, maybe we're just not skilled in the art of picture morphing. So, to steal a line from another pregnancy related movie, why don't you "make a baby for the Tribute." Send entries to kevin@kevdo.com.
First Test Screen of Will Ferrell's Semi-Pro Scores!
There was a test screening of Will Ferrell's upcoming basketball comedy Semi-Pro. Ain't it Cool News is reporting on the screening.
Happy Birthday Luke Wilson
The youngest member of the Frat Pack turns 36 today. Here's hoping 36 goes a little better than 35 did, because we love Luke and want him to succeed in both his career and personal life. The DVD release of The Wendell Baker Story on October 30 is a start (preorder | official website).
Vince Vaughn Gets Wild
It's only opening in four theatres this weekend, but Vince Vaughn's long-awaited project is finally showing on the silver screen. Into the Wild tells the story of a young man (Emille Hirsch) who leaves his middle class existence for a life a adventure in the North American wilderness. His journey takes him to Alaska, where he must fight to survive in the harsh environment. The movie is written and directed by Sean Penn, based on the book by Jon Krakauer.
Vince has a supporting role in a movie that also stars Catherine Keener, William Hurt, and Marcia Gay Harden. Visit the Official Website.
Podcast #147: Knocked Up DVD Review
We review the Knocked Up DVD on this episode, including Owen Wilson's cameo and a hidden scene that fans of The 40 Year-Old Virgin will love. We also have a couple calls for our Knocked Up Prize Pack contest where you can win a free Knocked Up DVD.
Thanks to Ross, Taylor, Nick, and Kevin for contributions this week.
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Spy Photos of Will Ferrell on the Set of Step Brothers
One of our street-team members named Taylor Kidd sent this one in:
I found some really neat photos of Will on the set of Step Brothers! They are from Popsugar. Really funny looking outfit! Have a great day! Man, it is hard trying to type with a cast on your arm! LOL
Well, Taylor, if you're going to do anything with one hand I'm glad it's sending in great content like this. The thing I noticed were the Crocs that Will is wearing. Let's hope those are still in style (for some people, I know...) by next summer when Step Brothers arrives in theatres.
Step Brothers is directed by Adam McKay (Anchorman, Talladega Nights). Ferrell and John C. Reilly play coddled guys who live with their respective single parents. Their folks fall in love and marry, making the guys stepbrothers.
Matthew McConaughey Replacing Owen Wilson in Tropic Thunder
We had our money on Woody Harrelson, but Ben Stiller and co. have gone to another blonde Texan with a surfing background instead. Matthew McConaughey has been tapped to replace Owen in Tropic Thunder, Variety is reporting.
According to Variety, "The job amounts to an uncredited cameo, as McConaughey takes the role that Owen Wilson ankled after he was hospitalized. McConaughey, who this year finished the Andy Tennant-directed "Fool's Gold" and the S.R. Bindler-directed "Surfer Dude," carved out a week in his schedule to shoot the role. Pic is lensing in Hawaii."
This may not be too bad. McConaughey has got a "free spirited" reputation not unlike Owen, or Woody for that matter. Even better, it's nice to see him playing for laughs in a movie with male co-stars for probably the first time since Dazed and Confused.
If nothing else, this indicates that Tropic Thunder is a quality production. You rarely have big stars like McConaughey, Nolte, and Downey jumping onboard if the concept is lousy. All hail Ben Stiller!
You Know How I Know You're Gay? You Find Secret DVD Features
There's a reference in Knocked Up's commentary to an updated version of Seth Rogen and Paul Rudd's "You know how I know you're gay?" routine from The 40 Year-Old Virgin. Unfortunately, you won't find that listed anywhere in the DVD features or menus.
You will, however, find a secret link to the hilarious routine on Disc Two of the Collector's Edition. Head on over to the Languages menu and click on the "+" shown in red. Enjoy!
Owen Wilson's Deleted Scene from Knocked Up
The question asked most often by Frat Pack fans is whether the cameo that Owen Wilson filmed is on the DVD. We are pleased to confirm that is indeed there, in the deleted scenes of disc one.
It's a good cameo and would have added less than a minute to the final cut of the film. However, it is thematically similar to Steve Carell's cameo and the filmmakers must have thought it was redundant.
Steve Carell Emmy Watch
A reminder that the Emmy's are on Fox tonight, hosted by entertainment everyman Ryan Seacrest (Knocked Up, et. al.).
Of most interest in these parts are the comedy categories including Steve Carell (Best Actor), Rainn Wilson (Best Supporting Actor), and Jenna Fischer (Best Supporting Actress) from The Office. We'd like to see three wins here, but are rooting hardest for Fischer who was the emotional center of the show last season.
Check this space for updates and red carpet photos later tonight.
Update:
Steve Carell was the recipient of the most unlikely Emmy in television history tonight.
The announced winner of the Best Actor in a Comedy Series was Ricky Gervais for Extras. However, Gervais was not in attendance, so presenters Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert decided that the award should go to their old The Daily Show buddy, Steve Carell, who gladly accepted. Pandemonium rained.
Here's the Video:
Meanwhile, The Office won any Emmy for Best Writing but was otherwise shut out. Knocked Up's Katherine Heigl won an Emmy for Best Supporting Actress for her work on Grey's Anatomy.
Will Ferrell Auctions Role in Step Brothers
The 14th annual Cancer for College charity golf tournament and auction at Temecula Creek Inn on September 28th won’t only be spent celebrating birdies and long drives. This year, the 350 event attendees will be congratulating the winner of a walk-on role in a Will Ferrell movie. Partnering with his friend and USC fraternity brother, Craig Pollard, Ferrell came up with the idea to auction off the movie spot to raise funds for Pollard’s scholarship foundation.
Cancer for College is teaming up with San Diego Radio station 101.5 KGB FM to promote the auction. Listeners can hear about the auction during the week September 24th from Will Ferrell himself on the radio station during Dave, Shelly & Chainsaw’s morning show. Ferrell will be calling into the show on Sept 24th and again on the 27th to announce the winner. Then, bidders from all over the United States can log on to the charity’s eBay auction link which will go live on September 17th to place their bid. The highest bidder will meet Ferrell at the banquet on September 28th to be honored as the auction winner. In October, the winner will join Ferrell on set while filming his new movie, “Step Brothers”, and appear in a scene. “What a perfect Christmas present for your son or daughter,” Ferrell laughs. “It is the sure fire way to win the parent of the year award! Support this amazing cause, by buying them me.”
Cancer for College (CFC), created by Pollard, a two-time survivor of Hodgkin’s disease, was established in 1993 to provide college scholarships to current and former cancer patients. Since then, the charity has awarded $200,000 to 50 young cancer survivors. “Our program has increased considerably in the past four years, especially thanks to Will’s support,” says Pollard, whose mission with CFC is to provide inspiration to those battling cancer. “Scholarship amounts and the number of winners selected have more than tripled. We’re so blessed to be able to provide this gift to kids and their families who have endured so much in their lives.”
Opening bid for the movie appearance is $5,000 and closes on Sept 26th. Log onto www.cancerforcollege.org for more info.
More Little Big Men News
Following up on yesterday's storyline, we have more details of Little Big Men which looks to be coming together rather quickly.
Peter from the Manpants Movie Blog tipped us that The Ten director David Wain is now onboard to helm the movie. This would be the third time Wain has directed Paul Rudd, though the apparent style of humor for Little Big Men seems a bit different than Wain's previous films.
Next, the Hollywood Stock Exchange forum is reporting that a casting notice was sent out today, listing Elizabeth Banks as part of the cast. This shouldn't be a surprise, since she worked with Wain and Rudd in Wet Hot American Summer (making out with Rudd in many scenes) and (in acting roles) in The Baxter. In addition to Banks' memorable role as a bookstore clerk with excellent lingerie fashion-sense, she will also be seen opposite Vince Vaughn in the upcoming family holiday film, Fred Claus.
Jane Lynch and McLovin' Join Paul Rudd in Little Big Men
Our editor Rick Duran has been tracking this evolving story of the film previously (or perhaps still) titled Big Brothers. Let's put the pieces together.
According to an interview with Seann William Scott (Old School), "I’m shooting Little Big Men with Paul Rudd, for Universal. It’s an R-rated comedy from the same producers that did Knocked Up and 40-Year-Old Virgin." One must assume those producers include Judd Apatow and/or Shauna Robertson.
Next, Variety is reporting that Jane Lynch (Talladega Nights) is joining the cast. "Jane Lynch has been cast as a lead in Universal's Big Brothers. Seann William Scott and Paul Rudd star. In the comedy, wild behavior forces a pair of beer reps (Rudd & Scott) to enroll in a Big Brother program."
Next, Scott confirmed the new title and the style of humor: "And I am about to do a new movie called Little Big Men with Paul Rudd that's a big, kinda rowdy R-rated comedy kind of in the spirit of Old School and Wedding Crashers. That's pretty much it. "
Lastly, a long-standing rumor was confirmed that Christopher Minz-Plasse (Superbad) has joined the cast. "So what's next for the three of you? CMP: I'm doing a movie with Paul Rudd."
In summary:
Throw a couple cameos in there by Stiller, Vaughn, Ferrell, Black, Carell, or Wilson (heck, even Seth Rogen) and we might have to seriously consider promoting Rudd past "Pledge" status in the Pack. Only time will tell.
Mini-Review: The Boys and Girls Guide to Getting Down
By Kevin Crossman
This new DVD is billed as "An outrageous story blended with a “how to” guide to enjoy a truly insane party lifestyle. The film follows a group of Hollywood party-goers on their escapade as they travel from home to bar to party to after-party seeking the ultimate party experience. Through their adventure, viewers will learn truly insightful – and at times politically incorrect – lessons in nightlife etiquette, which will leave you feeling a bit dirty for enjoying it so much."
What if Swingers was made ten years later, had equal emphasis on the genders, and focused a lot more on drugs? And if it was wrapped around a "how to" style format ("Lesson One..." "Lesson Two...")? Well, that's pretty much the idea behind The Boys and Girls Guide to Getting Down.
There are some funny moments, and even this forty-something learned a thing or two (if only I could take advantage of my newfound knowledge! Damn those marriage vows!). So, the video is definitely worth a look. Now, I can't say this will go down in the pantheon of all-time greatest hipster comedies. But it might well make for a fun NetFlix rental for you and your "buds" (friends and otherwise).
If you already know the difference between "fun drugs" and "sketchy drugs":
If you don't:
Podcast #146: The Boys and Girls Guide to Getting Down
What if you remade Swingers ten years later and turned it into a how-to film? You'd have The Boys and Girls Guide to Getting Down, a new DVD released this week. Rick Duran joins Kevin Crossman for a discussion of the movie's "highs" and "lows."
There's a trifecta of websites to highlight this week, as well as a farewell for a friend of the Tribute, Filmspotting's Sam Van Hallgren who is retiring. Musical fans may be pleased or repulsed by our musical selection, Kyle Gass' karoake from Wild Hogs. Plus all your latest Frat Pack news!
Thanks to Vicki Millington and Remi research assistance.
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Deviated Discharge Game Debuts on The Heartbreak Kid Website
Gotta do something to ride out the wait for the new Ben Stiller comedy and this is worth a look. Playing off the character played by Malin Akerman and her, uh, "nasal problems," comes this fun game: Deviated Discharge. Check it out!
The Wendell Baker Story Website Debuts
Well, technically, this isn't the first time there's been a proper website for the Wilson Brothers movie. A website debuted in early 2006 for about a week and then was pulled when the movie's distribution fell through... again.
Nonetheless, this is a good sign for the DVD release coming on October 30th. And for a movie that's done so, um, modestly at the box office to date, the website is surprisingly complete. Lots of goodies and some games coming soon. Check it out at www.wendellbaker.com.
We've covered this movie for some time, although we were waiting for a proper version to do a review (as opposed to the subtitled European release we got a hold of). Nonetheless, this is a charming must-see that's got a different kind of humor than the typical Frat Pack movie but is still loads of fun.
Now might be a good time to Pre-Order the DVD.
Box Office Update
Despite the fact that we thought the movie was pretty funny, The Brothers Solomon will not go down in history as the biggest moneymaker by members of the Frat Pack Circle of Trust. The movie bowed to an estimated $525,000 from 700 theaters for a dismal $750 average. The $10M production failed to even make the Top 20. 3:10 to Yuma, with cameo by Luke Wilson, did better. That film opened at number one with $14.1M.
Steve Carell: Comedy's Everyman
There was a nice profile of Steve in the New York Times on Sunday. The Office starts up again this month and Dan in Real Life is coming to theatres in October, so the timing is right for a major article to rehabilitate Steve's image after the disappointing box office performance of Evan Almighty.
September 9, 2007
Podcast #145: Forgetting Sarah Marshall Set Visit and Interview with Jason Segel and Kristin Bell
Senior Editor Rick Duran describes his set visit and interview with the stars of Forgetting Sarah Marshall, a Judd Apatow-produced comedy coming to theatres next summer. Rick tells us what it was like hobnobbing with the press, his extensive "notes," and the loose movie set vibe. We also have the audio of the interview with Segel and Bell.
Rick Duran (black hair, center) Interviews Jason Segel and Kristin Bell
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)Weekend Movie Guide
A new member of our Frat Pack Message Board reminded us about a 3:10 to Yuma cameo by Luke Wilson. Here's the report from "Bob:"
Hi, I don't know if this has been reported yet, but Frat Packer Luke 'The Godfather' Wilson has a short but memorable role in the new James Mangold directed, Russell Crowe/Christian Bale starring remake of '3:10 to Yuma'.
Luke's character appears roughly around the mid-point of the film, and has approximately 5 minutes of screentime, He has a somewhat meaty role too, and has character interactions with Crowe, Bale, and their group.
It was really surprising to see someone who usually plays lead or primary supporting roles in an action-western film.
Meanwhile, another film opens this weekend that may be appeal to more traditional Frat Pack comedic tastes. The Brothers Solomon comes from Bob Odenkirk (The Ben Stiller Show) and stars Will Arnett (Blades of Glory), Will Forte (SNL), and Kristen Wiig (Knocked Up, Walk Hard). Frat Pack Sorority Sisters Malin Akerman (The Heartbreak Kid) and Jenna Fischer (The Office) have small roles as well.
Have you seen either movie? Leave a message on the Frat Pack Forum.
More South Park Style Images from Karen Pok and Rick Duran
They're at it again... The characters from Superbad! Check out the rest of the Frat Pack South Park Images.
Are you ready for some football?
After a series of memorable supporting turns in films like Anchorman, Thank You for Smoking, and Snakes on a Plane, we're looking forward to David Koechner's first star turn in The Comebacks. It's a sports-movie parody along the lines of Scary Movie and is coming to theatres on October 19th.
Visit The Comebacks MySpace page: http://myspace.com/thecomebacksmovie and enter the contest for a chance to be featured on the DVD!! Seriously! One lucky fan will find him/herself on The Comebacks’ DVD when it comes out! There are tons of movie contests out there, but none offer you such an easy route to fame and notoriety.
Check the official movie website: http://foxatomic.com/comebacks and hone your skill at “finger football,” meet The Comebacks teammates, and take a peek at David Koechner/Coach Fields’s Fantasy Football top picks.
Set Visit and Interview with the Stars of Forgetting Sarah Marshall
Slated for release next summer in the same weekend that The Break-Up and Knocked Up debuted, Forgetting tells the tale of struggling musician Peter Bretter (Jason Segel, Knocked Up, How I Met Your Mother) who has spent six years idolizing his girlfriend, television star Sarah Marshall (Kristen Bell, Veronica Mars). But his world is rocked when she dumps him and Peter finds takes an impulsive trip to Oahu, where he is confronted by his worst nightmare: his ex and her tragically hip new British-rocker boyfriend, Aldous (Russell Brand), are sharing his hotel.
The movie is produced by Judd Apatow and written by costar Jason Segel.
Podcast #144: The Office Season 3 DVD
The main event is a review of Season 3 of The Office. We also catch up on the latest news about Owen Wilson (including some outrageous anchor people), plus tons of news on upcoming projects from Vince Vaughn, Ben Stiller, Will Ferrell, and more.
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Behold the Glory of The Heartbreak Kid Poster Set
We've been trying to find these for weeks when our contact at DreamWorks hooked us up. These posters are really effective with the taglines and of course focus on star Ben Stiller. The personal favorite around these parts is Love Blows, since it effectively uses costar Malin Akerman in a memorable scene from the movie's trailer. Plus, it's nice to see Ben in "slow burn" mode rather than the typical "Mr. Furious."
Click for supersized full-resolution versions:
Visit The Heartbreak Kid Preview Page
As we look at the calendar, can it really be just one month until this movie opens? We are anxiously waiting the release of this movie (and the outrageous sex scenes we've heard so much about). And in light of recent events, you've got to think the press that Ben does will be just a wee bit more interesting than your average Fockers junket.
Ain't No Party Like a Scranton Party...
Just a reminder that the Season 3 DVD of The Office is released today.
Owen Wilson Returns Home; Wes Anderson Talks
Owen was released from the hospital over the weekend and is now recuperating at home with family and friends.
Owen's new film, The Darjeeling Limited, is showing at the Venice Film Festival today. The film's director and longtime Wilson collaborator Wes Anderson went on the record with the following statement.
Obviously he has been through a lot this week. I can tell you he has been doing very well, he has been making us laugh," Anderson said a news conference to promote the film. "When he is ready he's going to speak for himself much better than any of us could," the director said, asking that the actor's privacy be respected.
Bizarre Blades of Glory Promo Event Featuring Bo Bice
I'm a huge fan of the Will Ferrell/Jon Heder skating comedy and stand by the five star review I gave the film back when it was released in theatres. That said, I'm sure I'd have been embarrased to attend this sparsly attended DVD promo event held recently at Venice Beach.
The only good new for Bo Bice is that he's got the best hair that Venice has seen since Kyle Gass sported a wig during filming of Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny.
The Office Season 3 DVD Review
If you're wondering what to do on Tuesday, let me remind you of your obligation to pick up Season 3 of The Office. The four-disc set contains all 22 episodes and a host of extras.
Read The Frat Pack Tribute's Review
If you're a hardcore fan of The Office, there's no question this is a must-own item. Casual fans will be well-served by this set as well, since the immersive experience can help you understand and appreciate the show's humor and sensibility. However, the middling bonus features and uneven commentaries do present flaws to be aware of.
Will Ferrell Triple Bill at Roxy Cinema, London
A big treat if you're in London on September 2nd (or, as the British so quaintly like to write it, 02/09/07). They'll be holding a Will Ferrell Triple Bill, with screenings at 2 pm, 5 pm, and 8 pm.
Three from the comedy man Will Ferrell today, starting off with one of his more serious roles, as Harold Crick who one day finds himself the subject of a narration of his life that only he can hear. One of the most original comedies from Hollywood in recent years. Then a double-bill of classic Ferrell comedies, with the laugh out loud Talladega Nights followed by the fast becoming cult classic, Anchorman.
Our U.K. Correspondent Vicki Millington will be in attendance, so drop her a note or say hi if you attend.
Londa Apatow and Rogen Q&A Report
Meanwhile, Vicki Millington attended a screening of Knocked Up with Q&A with Judd Apatow and Seth Rogen. Here's her report:
Well...really enjoyed the film. The Q&A was great, no Rudd or Mann tho just Seth & Judd.
Went with a gaggle of mates & my other half. The film had a great response, everyone was pissing themselves laughing all the way thru which is always a good vibe when there's a Q&A afterwards. The interviewer was shit but he always is (he works there). When I saw him interview Eli Wallach, Eli just turned his chair round & talked to us.
Judd kicked it off with a story about hanging out with the Stones for 4 seconds (they were playing at the O2 that night) earlier that evening. We were shown a clip from Freaks & Geeks then Judd talked about working with Seth when he was fairly young. He came up with an analogy about being in a basketball team & giving the best player the ball & him giving Seth the most scripts. Seth spoke about moving to Cali with his whole family, not going to college & Judd always looking out for him. Before the clip started they were saying how cool the theatre is (been going there since i was 15 and love it, it's like my UK version of the New Beverly Cinema in LA). 'It's like a planetarium!'
Smoking weed with Graham Chapman (Monty Python). Judd said he was trying to think of connections with himself and England (or 'our land' as he called it) and came up with a great story about meeting Graham and getting high and hearing stories about when he was going to brothels with Keith Moon and then telling Graham about his high school stories and him being just as enthusiastic as he was about the Moon stories.
What else?
- Ahh, Julianne Moore's freestyling bush jokes, The Shining and 'red Bush! Red Bush!'.
- The fake punani and wanting to get Seth's reaction at a real birth but the baby needed a work permit.
- Lots of talk about Superbad and dick jokes, and Seth loved the fact that a bunch of lawyers were sitting around talking about dick drawings.
After about 45mins of interview we get round to where we can ask questions, Judd was talking about Anchorman and the erection scene & the censors, after that I thought it was the right time to ask about the Pack. Trouble is, I wasn't sure how I was gonna ask it & I kept thinking about the Hunter S. Thompson references in the film & thought it'd be better to ask about that. Put me and up they were looking at me but the feckin' interviewer was looking at this gimp who said the most embarrasing thing and the trouble was he was sitting right near us. He asked Seth something like how did you make the getting stoned scenes so real and some other rubbish and 'he really relates to the film'. What a waste of a question, kid, we all smoke it, no need to babble about it. Seth was signing & taking pictures near the green room afterwards but we headed for the bar, it's alot more fun when you meet people by chance...
Full Website for The Heartbreak Kid Debuts
Boy, do we need a distraction this week and this is just what the doctor ordered. Lots of goodness for the upcoming Ben Stiller comedy, including a series of desktop wallpapers ("Love Blows," "Love Hurts," and "Love Stings."), photos, screensavers, and more. There's a preview of the soundtrack and a "Caption-It" tool to create images like this one:
Visit The Heartbreak Kid Official Website
Santa Monica Does the Right Thing
You may notice we're trying to respect Owen Wilson's wishes and allow him to heal in private. As such, we're not going to be linking to the myriad of sensationalistic "news" publications that are now filling up newsstands. Instead we are going to focus on the more positive aspects of the recent news.
The Santa Monica City Attorney's Office get a gold star for doing the right thing today. Despite many media requests, they will not be releasing the 911 tape of Luke Wilson calling the paramedics.
“In reaching this decision the City believes that in many instances no person should have to worry about whether placing a call for emergency assistance will automatically make his or her medical request open to public review. In balancing the competing interests, the City agencies outweighs the public interest served by disclosure of the emergency 911 call. In situation such as this, the City concludes that the public is best served if medical attention is promptly sought instead of being delayed because of a concern, real or imagined, of public attention, regardless of whether that publicity is sympathetic or not.”
Let's applaud the fine folks of Santa Monica City Attorney's Office for being one of the few organizations surrounding this case who understand what class and dignity really mean. (View complete letter to the media)
That said, we here at the Tribute do believe some introspection and analysis can be acceptable if done in a respectful way. Our recent podcast episode is an example, and we've appreciated the many notes from listeners about our handling of the subject. In a similar vein, Time's article "The Darker Side of Owen Wilson" is a well-thought opinion piece that summarizes many aspects of the story and is at the same time somewhat poignant.
Owen Wilson Officially Dropped from Tropic Thunder
Major bummer for Frat Pack fans for sure, but compared to other events this week only a small note on the "bummer" scale. Variety is reporting that Owen has now official dropped from the Ben Stiller movie:
Two days after being hospitalized for an attempted suicide, Owen Wilson has dropped out of the DreamWorks' ensemble comedy "Tropic Thunder." Both DreamWorks and Wilson's personal publicist declined comment. Wilson's frequent collaborator, Ben Stiller, began shooting the film in Hawaii six weeks ago. "Tropic," which also stars Jack Black, is produced by Stiller's Red Hour Films.
Wilson was scheduled to begin a weeklong shoot in two to three weeks. The decision was characterized as a mutual agreement between Stiller and Wilson.
"Ben and Owen have made eight movies together," a source close to the project said. "And he can't wait to work with Owen again. It's just not going to be on this film."
It is unclear whether Wilson's role would be recast or eliminated from the comedy, which revolves around a group of actors shooting a big-budget war movie who are forced to become the soldiers they are portraying.
Reminder: Blades of Glory Drops Today
Back to our regularly scheduled news coverage... There's a new movie coming out on DVD today. It's called Blades of Glory. Perhaps you've heard about it?
The Heartbreak Kid Soundtrack Details
Here's the tracklisting for upcoming Ben Stiller comedy, The Heartbreak Kid. I'm not a fan of The Flaming Lips but if you are you might like this... I'm certainly intriqued by the title of the first track.
01 The Flaming Lips: "The Horny Frog"
02 David Bowie: "Ashes to Ashes"
03 Buva: "She Makes Me Fall Down"
04 World Party: "Put the Message in the Box"
05 John Alagia: "Honey Come Home"
06 The Weepies: "Painting by Chagall"
07 Brian Hyland: "Gypsy Woman"
08 Amy LeVere: "Take Em or Leave Em"
09 Buva: "First Cut Is the Deepest"
10 Julieta Venegas: "Canciones de Amor"
11 The Flaming Lips: "Maybe I'm Not the One"
12 Ozomatli: "After Party"
13 Mathew Sweet/Susanna Hoffs: "Different Drum"
14 David Bowie: "Suffragette City"
Podcast #143: Owen Wilson Hospitalized
Senior Editor Rick Duran sits down with host Kevin Crossman for an discussion of Owen Wilson's hospitalization and apparent suicide attempt. We discuss the various news reports, consider some of the warning signs, and put the events of the last 24 hours into context for Owen's future career. It's a somber mood but we end the show on an uplifting note.
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Owen's Project Updates: Filming Continues on Tropic Thunder; Marley Unclear
One wonders where Ben Stiller would be this week if he wasn't both starring and directing Tropic Thunder in Hawaii. Will production on the movie stop? Variety is reporting that:
DreamWorks issued a one-sentence statement that said, "Filming on 'Tropic Thunder' continues." The studio, however, would not elaborate on whether Wilson is expected on the set or if his role would instead be recast.
There is also speculation regarding the recently announced Marley & Me with Jennifer Aniston.
When asked if production on "Marley & Me" would be affected, a Fox spokesman said, "It's a totally inappropriate question at this time when all of our thoughts and concerns are with his health and well being."
Earlier Warning Signs: Not So Funny Anymore
Our European editor Mario Bernengo found this quote from The Star: "In fact, the early warning signs emerged in June when the troubled actor was rushed for the first time to L.A.'s Cedars-Sinai Medical Center by his older brother Andrew."
Mario notes: "Well, that sheds new light on Owen's failure to appear for the NY Times talk with the Wilsons on May 20. Remember what Andrew and Luke said? "Elizabeth Taylor would refer to it as 'exhaustion'." Not so funny anymore."
Indeed Mario. Not so funny anymore. It is our sincere wish here at the Tribute that this incident is a "call for help" and this puts Owen on a healthier life path.
Owen Wilson Issues Statement
This statement was released through publicist Ina Treciokas:
"I respectfully ask that the media allow me to receive care and heal in private during this difficult time."
Still No Official Word on Owen Wilson
Still no official word on exactly what happened to Owen Wilson. Tabloid reports vary from the typical celebrity "dehydration" and "detoxification" to matters much more serious.
It is becoming increasingly apparent that Owen swallowed a large number of pills and may have cut his wrists in an apparent suicide. Andrew Wilson discovered Owen and was able to call for emergency response.
Though initial reports had pegged the actor's condition as "grim" it now appears that Owen is in stable condition. Owen's parents have been spotted at the hospital in Santa Monica as well.
However, we must caution, no official word on the incident has come forward so far.
Once again, we hope that Owen's physical and mental condition improves. This incident may have an impact on several projects we were looking forward to, but the most important thing is for Owen to get his life in order and we wish him and the rest of the Wilson family all the best in what must be a trying time.
Update: AP is confirming many aspects of the story:
It wasn't known why the 38-year-old actor was hospitalized, but a neighbor said a police car, fire truck and ambulance were outside Wilson's gated house around noon Sunday. "These guys were kind of taking their time taking a stretcher out of the ambulance, then they went into the house," said neighbor Geoffry White, 61, who lives directly across the street.
A spokesman for Wilson said a statement would be released later Monday.
Santa Monica Fire Battalion Chief Jose Torres said Monday the department responded to a call that involved Wilson.
He said Wilson was taken to St. John's Health Center in Santa Monica. A hospital spokeswoman didn't immediately return phone calls. The chief wouldn't comment on Wilson's injuries or condition, citing federal privacy laws.
Update 2: A spokesman for Cedars-Sinai tells "Extra" today that Owen Wilson is "in good condition" at the hospital.
According to the story, "Paramedics first took him to a nearby hospital, then rushed him by ambulance to L.A.’s Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where friends and family are rallying around him today."Owen Wilson Hospitalized?
There are lots of tabloid reports that Owen Wilson was hospitalized tonight for undiscosed reasons. If these reports are true it could be a very serious situation. We wish Owen a speedy recovery.
Update: Entertainment Tonight reports seeing Luke and Andrew Wilson at the hospital. I guess this is looking more likely as a true story. We are, however, not yet willing to speculate on the nature of the hospitalization until we have a statement from Owen or the Wilson family. We continue to hope that Owen gets well.
Steve Carell Wins Teen Choice Awards
Teens recognized Steve Carell with two awards at the Seventh Annual Teen Choice Awards, broadcast on Fox tonight. Steve won "Choice Scream" for Evan Almighty (Sheeep!) and for Choice TV Actor in a Comedy for The Office.
Other Frat Pack-related awards included The Holiday for Choice Movie: Chick Flick, Knocked Up for Choice Movie: Comedy, and Will Ferrell for Choice Movie Actor: Comedy (for Talladega and Blades). In a related award, Ryan Seacrest won Choice Hissy Fit for his memorable cameo in Knocked Up.
New Poster for Vince Vaughn's Wild West Comedy Show
We are really digging the new marketing direction for the forthcoming comedy documentary. Our friends at Vince-Vaughn.com got a hold of the new poster and it's great! In addition to a large feature for Vince, he's surrounded by all of the supporting comedians including Justin Long, Jon Favreau, and Kier O'Donnell. Vince pals Peter Billingsley and Dwight Yoakam are also shown.
The Ball Starts Rolling for Step Brothers Casting Announcements
With filming scheduled to begin next month, looks for a series of casting announcements for the next Will Ferrell / Adam McKay project. Costarring John C. Reilly and Produced by Judd Apatow, Step Brothers tells the tale of two immature, coddled men who become stepbrothers and best friends, much to the chagrin of their parents.
According to the Hollywood Reporter, Adam Scott (nurse in Knocked Up) and Mary Steenburgen (Elf) have joined the cast. Scott is playing the younger, successful brother of Ferrell, while Steenburgen is playing their mother. Also joining the movie are Katherine Hahn as Scott's wife and Andrea Savage as Ferrell's therapist. The movie reunites Steenburgen with Ferrell, with whom she co-starred in 2003's "Elf."
It's Called Anchor-Man, not Anchor-Lady... er, Anchorwoman
Just like "The Real Wedding Crashers" another TV series trying to capitalize on the Frat Pack phenomenon is going down in flames.
Here's news that Fox's series "Anchorwoman" wouldn't want to deliver: It's been canceled after one low-rated airing.
The debut of the reality show about Lauren Jones' attempt to turn herself into a news anchor for a Texas TV station drew an estimated 2.7 million viewers Wednesday, according to preliminary figures from Nielsen Media Research. Unaired episodes of "Anchorwoman" will be available on Fox's website through Fox on Demand, the network said Thursday.
Blades of Glory Debuts on DVD Tuesday
A reminder that the DVD of Blades of Glory hits stores on August 28. Here are the details of the DVD special features.
Return to Glory: Making-Of FeaturetteNew Poster for The Heartbreak Kid
I guess "love" doesn't always blow. It sometimes hurts, too. I am liking the theming of the taglines and the poster designs (besides the Wedding Crashers style colors...).
Janeane Garofalo to Star in 24
Though she hasn't done anything with the Frat Pack for several years, we still have a soft-spot for Garofalo, who costarred with Ben, Vince, Luke, and Owen in numerous projects during the 90's.
The political left and the political right will join forces on Fox's "24" this coming season. Janeane Garofalo, an outspoken liberal, is set to co-star on the conservative-leaning real-time drama, whose co-creator/executive producer Joel Surnow jokingly describes himself as a "right-wing nut job." Garofalo will play a government agent who is part of the team investigating the crisis befalling Jack Bauer (Kiefer Sutherland) and company in the upcoming season.
Garofalo's voice was recently heard in Ratatouille alongside Patton Oswalt, show in the photo.
The End of the Frat Pack?
Nicholas Barber recently penned "Frat Pack: Does box office smash Knocked Up signal the end for the gang of comedians that Hollywood can't get enough of?" for The Independent.
Barber's premise is that the Frat Pack are getting long in the tooth and it's time for them to start transitioning into more diverse fare so they have a career more like Bill Murray as opposed to one like Dan Aykroyd. And Barber can't help but look at Judd Apatow's group of up and coming actors as the next-generation of the Frat Pack.
While we don't agree with some of Barber's assertions (Anchorman was the "Ocean's Eleven" of the Frat Pack, not Tropic Thunder), he does come up with the best name to date for Apatow's crew: The Frat Brats. He also fails to recognize that Thunder is already a step away from the classic Frat Pack farce, and that it will be reconized as a different kind of film than Dodgeball or Wedding Crashers.
August 20, 2007
Podcast #142: Superbad Reviews
Senior Editor Rick Duran sits down with host Kevin Crossman for an in-depth discussion of Superbad. We analyze the story, the actors, and the box office. Rick and Kevin also discuss the trailer for Walk Hard and Marley and Me with Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston. We also make box office predictions for next summer's Pineapple Express.
Our podcast of the week is Superbad-related, and listeners provide feedback on Superbad as well, including a "brush with greatness" as Superbad mania results in one of our correspondents being mistaken for star Michael Cera.
Thanks to Meg and Laura for research assistance, along with Drew Hunt, Adam Stevenson (shown below), and Rick Duran.
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Superbad: A Fine BromanceOwen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston to Costar in Marley and Me
This isn't traditional "Frat Pack" fare, but it's nice to see Jen alongside another member of the Frat Pack. Ben, Vince, now Owen. Who's next?
Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston will star in "Marley & Me," the Fox 2000 adaptation of John Grogan's bestselling memoir about an incorrigible Labrador retriever. David Frankel, who last directed "The Devil Wears Prada" for the studio, will helm; Scott Frank is working on the latest draft of the script. Plan is to begin production next year. Gil Netter and Karen Rosenfelt are producing.
Marley is the yellow lab adopted by Grogan, a columnist for the Philadelphia Inquirer, and his wife. Their idea was to give them a taste of parenthood, but the dog proved to be a hyperactive handful. He wreaks havoc, gets kicked out of obedience school and gets even worse when the children begin to arrive, yet becomes an indispensable part of the family.
Fox 2000's Elizabeth Gabler and Rodney Ferrell have been trying for weeks to pull the cast together in this frenzied climate ahead of a possible strike, and deals are in final negotiations. Pic should shoot early next year.
Aniston recently committed to the Sidney Kimmel Entertainment-financed Stephen Belber-directed "Management," and she is reportedly in talks to play a small role in the ensemble of "He's Just Not That Into You" for New Line.
Thanks to Meg and Laura for the heads-up on this news.
Superbad Beats Knocked Up's Opening Weekend
Superbad opened with $31.2M, according to box office estimates. The film averaged $10,583 from 2,948 locations and even beat out the $30.7M debut of June's Knocked Up from director Judd Apatow and actor Seth Rogen.
Walk Hard Preview Page Debuts
We created a Frat Pack Tribute Preview of Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story. The page features a synopsis, trailer and article links, and an expanded photo gallery.
John C. Reilly and Jenna Fischer from Walk Hard
Superbad Review and Box Office Update
We've published our official Frat Pack Tribute review of Superbad ).
Meanwhile, it seems as though audiences of all ages are responding to Superbad. According to Box Office Mojo, "Superbad powered its way to an opening day gross of $12M, according to estimates. The tally was even higher than producer Judd Apatow's last film Knocked Up (his directorial effort) which opened to $9.9M on its way to a $30.7M debut weekend. Since teen movies typically see more of their weekend business on Friday, Superbad might find its way to a similar $29-32M."
Superbad: Engage!
The long-awaited teen comedy from Producer Judd Apatow and Actor/Cowriter Seth Rogen is here. Three teenage friends Seth (Jonah Hill), Evan (Michael Cera), and Fogell (Christopher Mintz-Plasse) have only two more weeks before they graduate from high school. Trying to score booze to get into a party, the gang meets up with two immature cops (Bill Hader, Seth Rogen). Get ready for the summer's raunchiest comedy!
Have you seen Superbad? Tell us what you think!
email: kevin@kevdo.com
podcast hotline: 206-666-FRAT
To celebrate the opening of Superbad, AOL Moviefone have ranked the Top 25 Raunchiest Comedies. You might be familiar with some of the choices (#17 - Knocked Up, #9 - Wedding Crashers, #8 - There's Something About Mary, #6 - Old School, #5 - The 40 Year-Old Virgin) and this is a really good list.
Knocked Up DVD Details
The following bonus features can be found on both the Unrated and Rated DVD:
The following bonus features are exclusive to the Unrated DVD:
The following bonus features are exclusive to the two-disc special edition (this is the one to get, guys!):
SYNOPSIS: On the heels of 2005’s blockbuster The 40-Year-Old Virgin, writer/director/producer Judd Apatow again mines hilarity from the relatably human in a comedy about a one-night stand with unexpected consequences. Katherine Heigl (Grey’s Anatomy) joins Virgin alums Seth Rogen, Paul Rudd, Leslie Mann and Jonah Hill for a comic look about the best thing that will ever ruin your best-laid plans: parenthood. Allison Scott (Heigl) is an up-and-coming entertainment journalist whose 24-year-old life is on the fast track. But it gets seriously derailed when a drunken one-nighter with slacker Ben Stone (Rogen) results in an unexpected pregnancy. A couple of drinks and one wild night later, they've got nine confusing months to figure it out...
TECHNICAL INFORMATION:
Walk Hard Trailer is Here!
Check out the stills from the newly available trailer for Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story, starring John C. Reilly, Jenna Fischer, and host of friends such as Kristen Wiig, Chris Parnell, Tim Meadows, and Jack White as Elvis (shown below).
Here's the plot summary:
America loves Cox! But behind the music is the up-and-down-and-up-again story of a musician whose songs would change a nation. On his rock 'n roll spiral, Cox sleeps with 411 women, marries three times, has 22 kids and 14 stepkids, stars in his own 70s TV show, collects friends ranging from Elvis to the Beatles to a chimp, and gets addicted to -- and then kicks -- every drug known to man... but despite it all, Cox grows into a national icon and eventually earns the love of a good woman -- longtime backup singer Darlene (Jenna Fischer).
That's Paul Rudd as John Lennon, though Jack Black's
cameo is not blown by the trailer, which is probably a good thing.
The trailer was originally made available at film ick and seems to be the International version. Here's the YouTube version:
Meanwhile, a different version of the trailer was released for U.S. audiences. It's a much funnier and fast-paced clip, similar in tone to Talladega Nights. View Hgh Quality Download/Streaming Versions
Justin Theroux on Tropic Thunder's Genesis / Cruise Cameo
Some very interesting tidbits coming from Tropic Thunder writer/star Justin Theroux (who by the way was great in The Ten, currently in theatres).
How the movie originated:
“We were watching a war [movie] DVD and there were actors talking about the boot camp they did and how it was intense. So we thought, wouldn’t it be funny if we did a movie about a bunch of actors who came back from a boot camp for a war movie and they had post traumatic stress disorder. That was the germ of the joke. And then it went from there to being a bunch of actors going to make the biggest budget war movie and getting lost in the jungle. And they end up fighting an unseen enemy and thinking they’re fighting a real war.”
Tom Cruise Appearing in the movie?
"I asked Theroux, who’s in the middle of the “Tropic Thunder” shoot right now, point blank about the most intriguing casting rumor associated with the film. Will Tom Cruise make an appearance? “I think so,” he responded. Cruise is rumored to be playing a studio head in the flick. Theroux went on to hedge his bets saying “I don’t know. We’ll see. It may happen. It may not happen.” But his first unguarded response spoke volumes. My money’s on a Cruise appearance."
Meanwhile, Thunder Producer Stuart Confeld spoke with KauaiWorld.com about the movie's night shoots, environmental and economic impact, and more. Cornfeld noted, “never have I been able to work in such a naturally beautiful place — this island is spectacular.”
Casting News for Superbad: Circa 2002
by Rick Duran
Remember that deleted scene from Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny with Kyle Gass, Jason Segel, David Krumholtz, and Colin Hanks?
Well, check this excerpt from an interview with Superbad Directory Greg Mottola. He's talking about the first script reading for Superbad that he attended on the Undeclared set.
CS: The reading you saw, would you say that was in 2001 or 2002, about six years ago?
Mottola: I can't quite remember. We actually found a video tape of it we watched while we were in pre-production to see if there were any jokes we left out, and it might have been 2002 and Seth Rogen was reading the lead with Jason Segal. David Krumholtz and Kyle Gass from Tenacious D were reading the two cops and it was just everyone else from "Undeclared" reading the rest of the parts.
For more info on the actual stars of Superbad, you might want to check out Jonah Hill and Michael Cera Unscripted.
Superbad Premiere Photos
The latest comedy from Judd Apatow's production empire held a premiere in Hollywood last night. Two regular premiere attendees, Bill Hader and Ben Stiller, were not in attendance due to filming commitments in Hawaii.
Group Photo including seldom seen Producer Shauna Robinson (to left of Apatow)
Michael Cera
Jonah Hill
Christopher Mintz-Plasse
Cera and Hill Share a Moment
Judd Apatow in focus, next to Director Greg Mottola (left) and Seth Rogen (right
)
Leslie Mann Looks Absolutely Gorgeous
Seth Rogen and Girlfriend Lauren Miller
Chris Kattan Hams it up with Kristen Bell
Paul Rudd Made an Appearance
Jonah Hill "In the Moment" at the Chinese Theatre in Hollywood
One More of Leslie Mann
Podcast #141: Interview with Author Ally Burguieres / Superbad Mini-Review
Join us for an exclusive interview with Georgetown's Ally Burguieres (shown at right), the author of "Metalanguage, Comedy, and the ‘Frat Pack’ as Community of Practice:
What does that even mean?" We discuss her paper that analyzes language in Frat Pack movies and why the connections go beyond central casting.
Also on hand are our beloved Canadian correspondents Jon and Christine who provide high praise for Superbad. Christine says "It's going to blow everybody away" and Jon calls it "the next Anchorman for quotes."
Thanks again to Ally for joining us on this week's podcast.
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Simpsonized Frat Pack
Karen Pok, of Frat Pack South Park-Style fame, is back at it. Using the templates at www.simpsonizeme.com, she recreated the Frat Pack.
Future Project Updates
by Adam Stevenson
Be Kind Rewind
The Jack Black comedy moved has moved its release date again, from December 21st to January 25th.
The Rocker
I recently found out about The Rocker starring Rainn Wilson, Christina Applegate, Will Arnett, Jane Lynch, Emma Stone (Jules from Superbad), and Fred Armisen. The Rocker tells the story of a failed, over-the-hill drummer who gets a second chance at fame. Robert "Fish" Fishman is the extremely dedicated and astoundingly passionate (not to mention sweaty) drummer for the eighties hair band Vesuvius who is living the rock 'n' roll dream until he is unceremoniously kicked out of the group. Unfortunately for Fish, this happens right before Vesuvius becomes one of the biggest bands in the world. Fish is then forced to get a
"real" job and abandon his dream until an unlikely opportunity arises. Twenty years after getting booted out of the band he helped create, just when Fish has finally given up hope, all of his wildest fantasies come true.
In a way, this is kind of like the "School of Rock of Dwight Schrute." Of course its neat to have Wilson and Arnett go back to back since Wilson originally auditioned for the role of GOB in Arrested Development.
TBA 2008
Juno
Secondly, I recently found Juno starring Michael Cera, Jason Bateman, and Rainn Wilson. Juno stars Ellen Page as the title character, a whip-smart teen confronting an unplanned pregnancy by her classmate Bleeker (Cera). With the help of her hot best friend Leah, Juno finds her unborn child a "perfect" set of parents: an affluent suburban couple, Mark and Vanessa (Bateman and Jennifer Garner), longing to adopt. Luckily, Juno has the total support of her parents as she faces some tough decisions, flirts with adulthood and ultimately figures out where she belongs.
As you may see, it is a dramatic take at Knocked Up, with George Michael Bluth. Geez, how many Arrested reunions are there going to be?
December 14th (Limited)
Terra
Next, voices are heard again in Terra with the voices of Luke Wilson, David Cross and Justin Long. Terra is about a peaceful alien planet faces annihilation, as the homeless remainder of the human race sets its eyes on Terra. Mala, a rebellious Terrian teenager, will do everything she can to stop it.
My thoughts, AVOID IT BECAUSE IT ISN'T FRAT PACK AT ALL! Unless you want to take some kids to a flick you can fall asleep at.
It will premiere at Toronto Film Festival, September 8th. Although it would be a good idea for our friends in Canada to check out?
Fanboys
Lastly, I found the trailer for Fanboys starring Seth Rogen, Jay Baruchel, Dan Fogler, William Shatner, Kristen Bell, and many more. The trailer is kind of rough towards the end but its still good. From my perspective, this movie is going to be sweet!
January 18th, 2008
Does Every Frat Pack Movie Have to Use Wedding Crashers' Poster Design?
The publicity machines for October's Frat Pack lineup are starting to get rolling. For the first time, we have a poster for Steve Carell's dramedy, Dan in Real Life. There's also a trailer available at Apple.com. This is a pretty poor Photoshop job, guys. You're better than that!
October's other solo Frat Pack movie features Ben Stiller's return to work with the Farrelly Brothers (There's Something About Mary). We've seen The Heartbreak Kid trailer for a while, but the official website was just redesigned. And, surprise, surprise, we have a red and white design. Okay, we get it. Wedding Crashers was a big hit, and the fat red letters on the poster were pretty cool. But, can we stop already?
We must admit, we have pretty high expectations for this movie, even though spy reports are consistently bagging on the film's third act. That said, we love the tagline "Love Blows" and are definitely looking forward to the film's notorious sex scenes.
Frat Pack Line Up Projects Ahead of Expected Hollywood Strike
According to Variety, the studios are scrambling to finish projects before a strike by the various creative guilds is expected to happen next spring.
"Hollywood's traditional summer break is giving way to a summer scramble. With threats of a strike looming, film studios are jockeying for top-tier talent, writers are racing to finish and polish scripts, and agents are trying to jam their actor clients into as many projects as they can. The result is a frantic deal-making dynamic and a compressed development process, with many in Hollywood working weekends in an effort to solidify the 2009 slate in a span of six to eight weeks. "
Here are some of the details mentioned in the article. Thanks to Karen Pok for the link to the article.
"When Vince Vaughn and Reese Witherspoon signed to do 'Four Christmases,' we crossed them both off our lists," says an exec. "Vince was the real killer. Some actors will do as many as three films before next summer, but Vince has other movies to promote in the fall and the spring, and we don't think he'll take another film." Analysis of Superbad's Box Office Odds
by Rick Duran
Superbad is generating high buzz (Rotten Tomatoes currently has its review average at 89%) and every movie website is flooded with hilarious clips from the film. However, outside the web, the film isn't on people's minds quite as much. According to Hollywood Elsewhere, about 51% of moviegoers polled are actually aware the film even exists (by contrast, Rush Hour 3 got a 97% awareness). 35% of those people are definitely interested in seeing Superbad and 5% say its their #1 pick over all other films in release. Those numbers were released Thursday, which grew moderately from the tracking numbers released last Monday (45% awareness, 28% definite interest, 3% top choice.)
Hollywood Elsewhere's Jeff Wells says of the Monday to Thursday interest growth, "The Superbad uptick is good but it needs a lot more heat than it has right now." Deadline Hollywood Daily's Nikki Finke had this to say a week prior to the film's release, "awareness on the pic is still not what the studio hoped for. Still, my box office analysts expect low-budget Superbad to make between the high teens to $20 million from 2,800 theaters."
What does this mean for Apatow, Rogen, and Co.? Superbad should still do well considering more than half of moviegoers aware of Superbad have definite interest in seeing it. But it's going to take a hefty marketing blitzkrieg next week, in addition to strong word of mouth after opening weekend, to make this the sleeper runaway hit that Knocked Up and 40 Year-Old Virgin became.
Superbad International Poster shown at right.
Spoilerific Scene from Superbad
Put to bed any doubt that those rumors that Superbad is an incredibly dirty movie. Here's the infamous "dicks" scene. Not Safe For Work, obviously, and definitely big spoilers for the movie. And also very funny!
Good Day for Ben Stiller
First up are some shots from the set of Tropic Thunder, where Ben is sporting some "guns" and a pair of hooks. Not sure if I believe the theories that Ben's character has no hands, but it's interesting nonetheless. There are additional pictures at x17online.com. Our editor Amy Gilbert found some more beach candids of the Stiller clan, this time with wife Christine.
Meanwhile, Variety is reporting that Ben Stiller and Stuart Cornfeld's shingle Red Hour Films has reupped its first-look deal with DreamWorks for an additional three years. In addition, DreamWorks creative exec Jeremy Kramer is leaving the studio to join Stiller and Cornfeld at their banner.
Under the terms of the first-look pact, DreamWorks has first shot at any project that Red Hour produces. Some will be developed for Stiller to direct, write or star in.
"Ben and I go way back to 'Empire of the Sun.' I've always considered him my friend, and I'm more than thrilled that he is staying in the neighborhood," DreamWorks' Steven Spielberg said.
Under the original first-look deal, set to expire at the end of this year, Red Hour produced "Blades of Glory," starring Will Ferrell and Jon Heder, for DreamWorks. Laffer grossed more than $100 million domestically.
Kramer worked closely with Red Hour when overseeing production on "Blades of Glory." During his time at DreamWorks, he also oversaw production on sleeper hit "Disturbia." He previously worked at Miramax.
"All of us at Red Hour were very happy to renew our deal with DreamWorks after having poached their most promising talent, Jeremy Kramer," Stiller said. "The 'K' in Red Hour now stands for Kramer."
Red Hour pics in the pipeline include supernatural thriller "The Ruins," written by Scott Smith and directed by Carter Smith. Pic wrapped shooting this week in Australia.
Trailer for Be Kind, Rewind Debuts
I've got to say this looks considerably more interesting and funny than I had expected. It certainly looks like Jack is in full-on "JB" mode in this comedy coming to theatres on December 21st. Certainly the catch-phrase "Our version is better...
Our version is only 20 minutes" seems to give an great impression of what this movie is all about.
August 8, 2007
Podcast #140: The Ten Review / Old School Score
Paul Rudd is both actor and producer in The Ten, a new independent comedy that is now open. We have a short review of the movie that's definitely worth seeing (), though it's not the same kind of humor as typical Frat Pack fare.
It's truly a crime that Theodore Shapiro's best movie scores were never released on CD. We try to rectify that by presenting the Old School score in it's entirety. That's our Main Event this week, and of course we have the latest Frat Pack news.
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Preview The TenSemi-Pro Teaser Poster
Hostestly, this thing is outstanding. Nice and subtle shot of Will, and a great focus on his hair. Plus, we love the tagline, "The Greatest Fro on Earth". One wonders if perhaps New Line will attach a trailer to Rush Hour 3? Learn more about Semi-Pro.
Click for larger version:
The Darjeeling Limited Trailer - Redux
If you still haven't seen the trailer, here it is right here on our home page. No excuses! We've also added a Frat Pack Tribute preview page with additional information about the the upcoming Wes Anderson / Owen Wilson movie.
More Info About The Darjeeling Limited
Tropic Thunder Set Photos
According to a post on the IMDB message boards by SheckssFan77, this is the set for the scene of the cast and crew party in the movie. Thanks to our editor Karen Pok for finding these photos.
View Larger Versions and Additional Photos from our Forum
More South Park Style Images from Karen Pok
Are you getting ready for the DVD launch of Blades of Glory later this month? Well, our Australian Editor Karen Pok is at it again, creating more incredible South Park style images of Will, Jon, and Luke from Blades of Glory. She also has two versions of Steve Carell from Evan Almighty.
Chazz Michael Michaels by Karen Pok
Check the Frat Pack Tribute's South Park Images Page For More
Ben Stiller Hangs Ten in Hawaii
Thanks to our editor Amy Gilbert's keen research skills, we finally have some photos of Ben Stiller hanging ten in Hawaii during an day off from filming Tropic Thunder. Two other photos in the photo set at OMG identify Jack Black but to my eyes it seems unclear at best.
First Scholarly Article on the Frat Pack
Georgetown's Ally Burguieres has published an online paper entitled: Metalanguage, Comedy, and the ‘Frat Pack’ as Community of Practice: What does that even mean?
According to Burguieres, "This paper aims to approach the writing/directing/acting group known as The Frat Pack... as a language-driven community of practice. The primary data herein comprises isolated instances of comedic metalanguage occurring in five Frat Pack films — Zoolander (2001), Old School (2003), Anchorman (2004), Wedding Crashers (2005), and Blades of Glory (2007)."
"To ensure familiarity with the material and to quantify general impressions, these instances in the films’ dialogue were then coded according to the five categories devised by Anderson et al., originally used to differentiate the types of metalanguage evidenced in natural conversation and recorded in the British National Corpus."
And you thought fans of the Frat Pack only cared about Will Ferrell's naked body or Vince Vaughn doing the motorboat!
The article's conclusion really says it all: "Ideally, future studies would provide greater quantification of features — evidencing more information on how closely film dialogue mirrors natural dialogue, and perhaps providing evidence for when, why, and how goal-oriented (ticket sales, building a fan base) constructed conversation differs from conversation in the “real world”. Clearly these characters would be nothing without their words, and the continual linguistic negotiation of identity present in these films and countless others leaves much to be explored."
1970's Faux Documentary Adventure for Jack Black
Universal has picked up Jack Black to star in and produce The Lost Adventures of Stone Perlmutter Jr.
Written by scribes Peter Huyck and Alex Gregory, The Lost Adventures of Stone Perlmutter Jr. is described as a faux documentary made from recently "discovered" footage from 1979 chronicling the disastrous journey of a self-styled Indiana Jones-type adventurer who traveled the world trying to find the Yeti, El Dorado, the lost tomb of Jesus and other great mysteries.
Black will play Perlmutter as he produces under his Universal-based banner, Electric Dynamite.
After Tropic Thunder, Black will be on the mind of action movie fans who want a comedic twist, so this seems like a perfect role. Or, maybe there's buzz from Margot at the Wedding and Be Kind, Rewind because Jack's name is attached to an insane number of films, considering that his last starring role bombed (though we loved it, Jack!): Tropic Thunder, Man Witch, Ye Olde Times, The Year One, and now Stone Perlmutter.
Jack is going to be very busy for the next two years.
Tropic Thunder Set Report
Big props to Brett Bigelow for sending in this report from his recent visit to Kauai.
I just got back from Kauai today. Tropic Thunder is scheduled to begin production today (8/2/07) at this resort next-door to ours, Kauai Sands Hotel.
We got to walk through the set while they were finishing building. I guess the resort is to remain open for business during the shooting. No stars seen yet, just production crews. They've transformed the Kauai Sands Hotel into the "Ho Chi Inn", complete with USO stage, Huey helicopter, jeeps, Vietnamese billboards, etc. The restaurant at the hotel has been gutted and re-built "Vietnam war era".
If you 're interested, I can send you some of the pictures I took.
We're waiting on baited breath for the photos...
Superbad Press Appearances
Get ready for Superbad! Here are some upcoming TV appearances by some of the principals.
Jonah Hill Plays John C. Reilly's Deceased Brother in Walk Hard
Jonah Hill confirms the role he'll be playing in the forthcoming musical biopic spoof Walk Hard, starring John C. Reilly. The Premiere interview confirms that Hill will play Reilly's deceased brother.
This is a key role, as writer/producer Judd Apatow noted during the Knocked Up Press Junket that the Tribute attended. Apatow described Reilly's character Dewey Cox this way:
"He's been addicted to a lot of drugs. He's gone through a lot of wives, and when he was a kid, he accidentally cut his brother in half with a machete. He's working out these problems in this movie, and we're very sure it's going to win an Oscar. We're pretty sure that it's a shoo-in at this point."
So, it would appear that Hill won't be playing a rock star but the ghostly apparition of Dewey Cox's brother!
The Walk Hard Onslaught Has Begun
by Rick Duran
Hot on the heels of this week's Jonah as Reilly's brother news, and the Walk Hard trailer which will premiere in two weeks, the current issue of Rolling Stone (GnR on the cover) has an article about the film.
Key points from the article:
Universal "Locks Up" Vince Vaughn
Universal Pictures has made a two-year, first-look producing deal with Vince Vaughn and his Wild West Picture Show Prods., Variety is reporting. Arrangement kicks off with three features, each of which could be a starring vehicle for Vaughn.
The deal given Wild West Pictures Show Prods. by U production prexy Donna Langley allows the shingle to acquire pitches and spec scripts and gives Vaughn a discretionary fund.
All of these project sound intriquing, especially Realtors. That seems like a perfect vehicle for another costarring blockbuster with Owen Wilson. And, of course, any movie featuring Favreau and Vaughn demands attention.
More Christmas Move Magic For Vince Vaughn?
Last week it seemed all the news centered around Owen Wilson and this week Vince seems to be the man. Variety is reporting Vince and Reese Witherspoon will star in New Line's holiday comedy "Four Christmases," set up at Spyglass with Gary Barber, Roger Birnbaum and Jonathan Glickman producing.
Vaughn's also producing and Witherspoon's in negotiations to produce the pic, in which a couple struggle to visit all four divorced parents on Christmas Day. Script's penned by the writing team of Matt Allen and Caleb Wilson.
New Line execs are meeting with directors and eyeing a late fall start of production. That would give the mini-major a shot at getting "Four Christmases" into theaters during next year's holiday season.
Premiere Names 20 Hottest New Faces in Comedy
You might have a passing familiarity with most of these names. Those with strong or loose Frat Pack connections shown in italics. Read the Premiere Article.
* Member of the Frat Pack Circle of Trust
July 27, 2007
Podcast #139: Wake Up Ron Burgundy: The Lost Movie
We catch up on tons of Frat Pack news, including trailers for Owen Wilson's next two movies, Tropic Thunder cameo news, tons of Judd Apatow projects, and more. Listener feedback from Ross tells of a rumor of a new Will Ferrell / Chris Tucker (?) collaboration, and Adam Stevenson is here to talk about Hot Rod, produced by Will Ferrell.
The main event is a clip-heavy discussion of Wake Up Ron Burgundy. Brandon Angelilli has some commentary along with Ross again, and we tell you why you need to get this movie from Amazon or NetFlix. Thanks to Freddie Elsom and Karen Pok for comments as well.
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Drillbit Taylor Trailer Debuts
From "the guys who brought you Knocked Up and Superbad" comes Owen Wilson in a star-turn in Drillbit Taylor. Lots of great stuff in the trailer from Troy Gentile (Pick of Destiny) and Leslie Mann (Knocked Up). Stephen Root (Dodgeball) also makes an appearance, surprising since we had not seen his name on any of the rumor / spy reports.
This definitely has a kind of Superbad meets Wedding Crashers vibe. We're really looking forward to this movie!
Check the Frat Pack Tribute's Drillbit Taylor Preview Page
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If It's Tuesday, it Must Be Owen Wilson Preview Day!
Big news from a couple highly anticipated projects from Owen Wilson.
First and foremost are some photos of Owen and Frat Pack Sorority Sister Leslie Mann from Drillbit Taylor. Looks like the characters have a close, personal relationship. Written by Seth Rogen and Produced by Leslie Mann's husband Judd Apatow, Drillbit opens in March. Familiar faces Matt Walsh (Old School), Troy Gentile (Nacho Libre, Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny), Ian Roberts (Talladega Nights).
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Drillbit is a fairly straight-forward-sounding tale: two average kids arrive for their first year at high school, only for the local bully to beat them up as they arrive. Swearing bloody vengeance, they scour the local paper until they happen upon the man they hope will be their saviour: Wilson’s cheap-as-chips soldier of fortune. Sadly, he turns out to be the living embodiment of the maxim “you get what you pay for”…
Taylor goes undercover as a substitute teacher to protect the kids and falls for Mann who is a teacher at the school. Roberts plays the kids' bullyish stepdad and Walsh plays the principal at the school.
Next up is the trailer and poster from Owen's latest collaboration with Wes Anderson. In The Darjeeling Limited, Jason Schwartzman and Adrien Brody costar in an emotional comedy about three brothers re-forging family bonds. The eldest, played by Wilson, hopes to reconnect with his two younger siblings by taking them on a train trip across the vibrant and sensual landscape of India.
I must admit I wasn't the biggest fan of Owen and Wes' last flm, The Life Aquatic. But I like Brody and Schwartman and of course it's nice to see Owen in more of a melancholy mood this time around. Check out the Darjeeling Trailer.
Paul Rudd and Winona Ryder at The Ten Premiere
A reminder that we have a preview page for The Ten. This shot is from the premiere that was held in New York on Monday.
Jonah Hill Confirms Walk Hard Role
Eagle-eye Frat Pack Tribute editor Rick Duran spotted an obscure but juicy comment from Jonah Hill at the Guys Choice Awards press conference (at nearly the end of this video). In talking about his upcoming projects, Hill mentions a movie with Seth Rogen where they play brothers (The Middle Child) but also that he will appear in Walk Hard.
Considering that fellow Frat Pack Friends Paul Rudd, Jason Schwartzman, and Justin Long are in the movie cameoing as real-life rock stars (The Beatles, along with Jack Black, in this case), one has to wonder if Hill will be appearing in similar style? If so, what rock star does Jonah Hill play?
Here are some of the suggestions so far:
Have any ideas? Post a comment on our discussion forum.
Interview with our 1000th MySpace Friend
Our Frat Pack Tribute MySpace page recently added the 1000th friend, Mor. Here's a short interview with her.
Can you tell us your name and where you are from?Thanks Mor, and congrats on being our 1000th MySpace friend!
The Frat Pack Tribute's MySpace: Join the Circle of Trust.
Seth Rogen to Play the Green Hornet?
Comic fanboys are freaking out with the news that "shlubby" Seth Rogen is in talks to write and likely star in a bigscreen adaptation of The Green Hornet. Rogen will also likely Exec Produce and cowrite with writing partner Evan Goldberg.
"The Green Hornet" started as a radio serial before being turned into a comic book, film and TV show by the 1960s. TV show was notable for the presence of the late Bruce Lee as sidekick Kato, a kung fu expert with a killer car.
Presumably, Rogen's take on the superhero would be to send it in a comedic direction. Confirming this hypothesis is the rumor that Kung Fu Hustle star Stephen Chow has been tapped to play Kato.
"What if this guy got you pregnant?"
Maxim Names Judd Apatow the "Gagfather"
Maxim has a nice feature about Apatow this month, naming him The Gagfather and outlining his "crime family" of comedy.
Judd Apatow - Boss
Will Ferrell - Consigliare
Adam McKay and Seth Rogen - Underbosses
Paul Rudd, John C. Reilly, Steve Carell - Captains
Jonah Hill, David Koechner, Leslie Mann - Soldiers
On the one hand, Koechner is once again a notch down from his fellow Pledges. Then again, he should feel lucky to be included as Hader, Baruchel, Segel, Kasdan, et. al. could have been in that spot.
By the way, where's Ben Stiller? Perhaps Maxim considers Ben the "gagfather" of another family.
Knocked Up DVD Details
Universal Home Video has sent over early details on rated and unrated editions of Knocked Up which stars Seth Rogen, Katherine Heigl, and Paul Rudd. Although the release date has yet to be confirmed, we can confirm that the rated edition will include a commentary with Judd Apatow, Seth Rogen, and Bill Hader, a 'Line-O-Rama' feature, a gag reel, a making of featurette and more. The unrated edition will include that, along with over 25 minutes of deleted and extended scenes (including an extended version of Jonah Hill's Brokeback Mountain scene, and a 'Topless' scene that adds a new twist on baring it all). A two-disc collector's edition will also be available with even more features - although that has yet to be unveiled.
Get Ready for The Ten
It's not the same kind of humor as typical Frat Pack fare, but does include a cast of familiar faces such as Paul Rudd, Justin Theroux, Rob Corddry, Winona Ryder, and more. The movie opens on August 3rd in NY and LA, with additional cities later in August.
Our new The Ten Preview Page has photos from the movie and an entire sequence from the film called "The Goof."
Jack Black Goes Blonde for Tropic Thunder
Huge, gigantic props to our U.K. correspondent Vicki Millington for uncovering this spy photo in The Metro. Yes, that's Jack Black with the spiky blonde 'do.
Meanwhile, looks like Nick Nolte is trying to replace Andy Dick as the Frat Pack's resident trainwreck. (see also: Jon Lovitz Punches Andy Dick for Phil Hartman Joke). This was shot in the Kauai airport on Monday night. Presumably, this means Nolte has finished his scenes for Tropic Thunder, which started filming last week.
According to the source, Nolte was still extremely friendly despite his groggy state -- chatting with fans and allowing passengers to snap photos, however, he wasn't entirely functional. "At one point we helped him put a dollar in the vending machine."
July 17, 2007
Podcast #138: Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny - Top 10 Frat Pack Soundtracks
Josh Watts brings us #1 in our Top 10 Frat Pack Soundtracks countdown: Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny. The movie definitely fits in the pantheon of Frat Pack movies, and since this one is a musical it's no surprise this one is number one. Jack Black and Kyle Gass bring some great tunes, along with guest singers Dave Grohl, John C. Reilly, Meat Loaf, and Ronnie James Dio.
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Fred Claus Preview Screening Details
Christine Spidell was fortunate to see a preview screening of Vince Vaughn's upcoming holiday comedy, Fred Claus. Can Vince "translate" to a family-style comedy? How are the special effects and story? What will the movie be rated? Here are some highlights.
Talladega Takes an ESPY as Birthday Present for Will Ferrell
It's been a good week for Will Ferrell, who turns 40 today. The ESPYs were broadcast last night and Talladega Nights won the award for Best Sport Movie, upsetting We Are Marshall, Invincible, and Pride. Winners in most of the 38 ESPY categories were determined by online fan voting. ESPN said a record 12.5 million votes were cast.
Also of note: check out Will's new clean-cut look. There was some speculation that Will's beard and afro look were to be used for Step Brothers, set to begin filming soon. But, it now appears those theories were incorrect as Will is now clean shaven and sporting a cropped 'do.
Happy birthday, Will. And congrats!
July 15, 2007
Podcast #137: Anchorman - Top 10 Frat Pack Soundtracks
Josh Watts brings us #2 in our Top 10 Frat Pack Soundtracks countdown: Anchorman. Will Ferrell as Ron Burgundy is the host for this collection of 1970's tunes. There's incredible stuff here, including "the greatest composition in human history", "Afternoon Delight."
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July 13, 2007
Podcast #136: School of Rock - Top 10 Frat Pack Soundtracks
Josh Watts brings us #3 in our Top 10 Frat Pack Soundtracks countdown: School of Rock. Mr. Black is in the house, accept no substitutes! There are some key tracks from the movie along with movie dialogue and some rockin' classic songs.
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July 12, 2007
Podcast #135: A Night at the Roxbury - Top 10 Frat Pack Soundtracks
Josh Watts brings us #4 in our Top 10 Frat Pack Soundtracks countdown: A Night at the Roxbury. Of course Haddaway's famous (infamous?) "What is Love?" is here, in both original and remixed form. But there's a great collection of dance tunes that really go well together. Score!
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July 11, 2007
Podcast #134: The Royal Tenenbaums - Top 10 Frat Pack Soundtracks
Josh Watts brings us #5 in our Top 10 Frat Pack Soundtracks countdown: The Royal Tenenbaums Collector's Edition. This soundtrack has an eclectic and melancholy mix of music, including some tracks from classic artists like The Ramones and Bob Dylan. Wes Anderson regular Mark Mothersbaugh is also present.
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Podcast #133: Nacho Libre - Top 10 Frat Pack Soundtracks
Josh Watts brings us #6 in our Top 10 Frat Pack Soundtracks countdown: Nacho Libre. This soundtrack has an interesting and strange history as Beck's music was scrapped in favor of Danny Elfman's score, then returned partially and Elfman's music reduced. Of course, we can count on Jack Black to provide some key tunes, as well as some songs to get us in the mood for this Mexican wrestling movie.
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Get Smart and Fred Claus Trailers Are Impressively Awesome
Warner Brothers is taking no chances with two special-effects laden comedies from two of the Frat Pack stars. First up is a teaser trailer from Steve Carell's Get Smart, coming next summer. The teaser trailer provides a great view at both the look and comedy style from this spy flick. Carell once again is doing the physical comedy thing and he looks great.
As great as that looks, few movies can top the incredible trailer for Fred Claus. From the breathtaking set and costume design, the special effects that truly look special, to some great performances, this movie looks like a box office champ. Vince Vaughn is back in Wedding Crashers form, and the story looks like it'll be a hit with audiences.
Podcast #132: Zoolander - Top 10 Frat Pack Soundtracks
Josh Watts brings us #7 in our Top 10 Frat Pack Soundtracks countdown: Zoolander. It's coverville time with remakes by No Doubt, Powerman 5000, The Wallflowers, Nikka Costa, and Rufus Wainwright. Plus classic 80's hits from Herbie Hancock, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, and Wham!
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Comebacks Makes a Play... for your Box Office Business
ComingSoon.net has your exclusive first look at the new poster for Fox Atomic's The Comebacks, hitting theaters on October 26. As much as we love Comebacks star David Koechner, something tells me that this poster will get a little more attention in the marketplace.
Meanwhile, "The Office" regular Melora Hardin says she got to really stretch her comedic chops in the upcoming indie comedy "The Comebacks. "It's a spoof on all of the sports movies," says Hardin of the film that also stars David Koechner, Stacy Keibler and Andy Dick. "David's character is probably the worst coach in history responsible for all the different, horrible sports disasters ever, and I play his ultra-supportive wife. Ultimately, he doesn't satisfy me, so I leave him for a younger man." But that's not the end of their story, she says, and adds, "My character is very slapsticky, and I get to do some really, fun broad comedy and be very, very silly. We have one scene that's almost vaudevillian. We go back and forth like a 'Who's on First?' routine. We got to do some really fun stuff." (National Ledger)
Steve Carell's Next Dramedy... Dan in Real Life
Decidedly more upscale than The Comebacks is Steve Carell's fall release, Dan in Real Life. Steve stars as a widower who falls in love with a woman (Juliette Binoche) only to find out she's the girlfriend of his brother (Dane Cook). The movie opens on October 12, and is positioned for a Little Miss Sunshine-style Oscar run.
Horton Helps Debut Frat Pack Family Films Chart
A funny coincidence that Rick Duran found this poster of Horton Hears a Who from the Cinema Expo in Amsterdam. Earlier today, we added a new movie chart to the Frat Pack Tribute website: Family Films.
Of course, we all love raunch Frat Pack classics like Old School or Wedding Crashers, but sometimes it's nice to see some Frat Pack goodness in films we can take our kids to. From an early Frat Pack connected movie Heavy Weights to upcoming animated movies like Horton or Kung Fu Panda, the Frat Pack have branched out into family fare.
Superbad Set Visit Spills the Beans
Nice work by the guys over at Comingsoon.net to score a set visit to Superbad and a nice writeup. The story includes the genesis of the movie while Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg were twelve years old, all the way to the present and why Judd Apatow didn't direct the movie. Thanks to Adam Stevenson for the tip on this article.
Tropic Thunder's Nick Nolte Spotted in Hawaii
That's Nick Nolte looking quite haggard at a supermarket in Hawaii. He's in town of course to start filming Tropic Thunder with Ben Stiller and friends. (SplashNews)
Podcast #131: Starsky & Hutch - Top 10 Frat Pack Soundtracks
Josh Watts brings us #8 in our Top 10 Frat Pack Soundtracks countdown: Starsky & Hutch. The 70's vibe is in full effect with classic songs like "Afternoon Delight" and "I Wanna Do Something Freaky to You." Theodore Shapiro returns to the countdown with some appropriate score music. Plus, there is Owen Wilson's hilarious take on the David "Hutch" Soul's "Don't Give Up on Us" and Dan Finnerty's "Feel Like Making Love."
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Will Ferrell PSAs for Live Earth
Looks like Will is using those viral video skills to good use, with an interesting PSA encouraging people to opt-out of junk mail. The terror on Will's face as he confronts the junk mail at his door is hilarious. There's another Ferrell PSA recommending the use of compact flourescent lights. Thanks to Taylor Kidd for the tip.
"Christmas Come Early" - Fred Claus Posters Unveiled
From the same people who brought you the posters for Wedding Crashers, it seems, we now have Fred Claus posters. These are looking great, especially seeing John Michael Higgins as an elf. Check out the Frat Pack Tribute's Fred Claus Preview, including the posters.
Additionally, People Magazine has a nice one-page preview of the movie too.
Licence to Wed Review
We have a review of the new romantic farce starring a few faces familiar to Frat Pack fans (John Krasinski, Christine Taylor, Robin Williams, Wanda Sykes, and more).
July 6, 2007
Podcast #130: The 40 Year-Old Virgin - Top 10 Frat Pack Soundtracks
Josh Watts brings us #9 in our Top 10 Frat Pack Soundtracks countdown: The 40 Year-Old Virgin. The highlight is the incredible cast recording of "Aquarius". Also present is a deleted scene karoake song from Steve Carell, alongside key tracks from Lyle Workman, Michael McDonald, Asia, Lionel Ritchie, and Joe Walsh.
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Podcast #129: Blades of Glory - Top 10 Frat Pack Soundtracks
Josh Watts brings us #10 in our Top 10 Frat Pack Soundtracks countdown: Blades of Glory. In addition to some key tracks like Bo Bice's theme song, we have movie dialogue, score music, and some neo fresh tracks from The Scorpions, Billy Squier, and Marky Mark and the Fun Bunch.
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Podcast #128: Family-Friendly Review of Evan Almighty
We welcome our newest movie reviewer, seven year-old Alex Gilbert, with a review of Evan Almighty. Spencer Gliko returns with a review of Reno 911 (featuring a Paul Rudd cameo), and we play "what if" with Jessica Simpson and Luke Wilson.
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Get Smart Trailer to Debut with Harry Potter; New Fred Claus Trailer Too.
According to sources, a teaser trailer for next-summer's Steve Carell spy thriller will debut attached to the new Harry Potter movie. That doesn't guarantee you'll see it if you see Potter, but it's definitely something to look for.
We're also looking forward to seeing more of Fred Claus, Vince Vaughn's holiday comedy costarring Paul Giamatti and Kevin Spacey.
New Will Arnett Fansite Location
We received a nice note from our friends at the Will Arnett Research Project. They wanted to let us know they've moved to a new location (www.willarnett.net) and have expanded the site.
There's a lot of great stuff here, including a Filmography, Videos, Upcoming Films, and Will Arnett and Amy Poehler news. Check it out!
Luke Wilson Curse Strikes Again
The New York Daily News is reporting that Joe Simpson has delayed the release of his daughter Jessica Simpson's romcom Blonde Ambition, costarring Luke Wilson and Andy Dick. The article cites an August 3rd release date, though I had not seen a specific date for the film to date. The movie is considered incomplete and does not have a release date (though a release date in January's dumping ground wouldn't be out of the question). The movie has one of the worst trailers in recent memory.
This is the latest in a series of unfortunate setbacks to Luke Wilson's movie career.
Don't get us wrong. We love Luke! His performance in Super-Ex really was heroic, and Wendell Baker is a really charming film. Every actor can have bad luck, but at this point you have to wonder. After making his career against fair-haired actresses in Charlie's Angels and Legally Blonde, has the streak run out with Blonde Ambition? We hope so, if it means more male-oriented buddy pictures like Old School.
Luke: No, this does not mean we think you should do the Dallas film. Stay away...
ATTN: Steve Carell
Re: European backpacking film (Untitled Steve Carell Project)
As fans of both yours and the Frat Pack, we couldn't be more excited about your potential buddy film set during a European backpacking trip. We collectively ask that you consider Luke Wilson for a role in this sure to be blockbuster project.
Yes, Luke has had rough luck with his starring roles and could use a big break. But also, he's got a laid back chemistry that would play well with you, not unlike your other costars Paul Rudd or John Krasinski.
So we here at the Tribute ask that you give Luke Wilson a serious consideration.
Signed,
The Frat Pack Tribute
Zoolander and Anchorman in Lego
Hail Pedro Monscooch for his excellent reproduction of the Walk Off scene in Zoolander and Afternoon Delight from Anchorman.
The Frat Pack Tribute
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